Are you a scholar in public administration or management with qualitative research skills and expertise in AI or value-based governance? Interested in fair and responsible AI use in public administration? Apply now!
Jouw functieThe positions are offered as a postdoc researcher position (0.75/0.8 FTE). The option of adding teaching activities (Master thesis supervision) as a lecturer in public administration (up to a full 1.0 FTE) can be explored.
The first postdoc position (0.8 FTE) is part of the NWA-funded project “Exploring the Promises and Pitfalls of AI Technology in Civil Service Provision (VALUE-AI)”, lead by dr. Kristina S. Weißmüller, in collaboration with prof. dr. Gjalt de Graaf and the Amsterdam Intelligence, the AI-thinktank of the City Amsterdam. You can find more information on the project here.
The overall objective of the project is to gain a deeper understanding of the risk involved in using AI technology in citizen-state interactions. How can we design fair algorithms, and how can we govern AI-related risks?
The position is funded for a period of 18 months, preferably starting on 1 December 2025, or by mutual agreement.
The second postdoc position (0.75FTE) is part of the NWO-funded project “AI4ALL: Value-aligned AI for Public Organizations”.
This work package the postdoc is part of, revolves around the actual and intended use of AI in public organizations, researching the intended reasons and expected impact of AI in the public sector, and empirically measuring public values affected by the use of AI in public governance. More specifically, the postdoc focuses on understanding the reasons given by public organizations for using AI technology and identifying which public values are considered to be affected. The research hypothesizes that efficiency and effectiveness are important values for introduction, but aims to verify this and explore other potential values and their relationships.
The position is funded for a period of 24 months, preferably starting on 1 January 2026, or by mutual agreement.
For further information about this position, please contact dr. Kristina S. Weißmüller (k.s.weissmueller@vu.nl) for the first position, and prof. dr. Gjalt de Graaf (g.de.graaf@vu.nl) for the second position.
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
You will be employed at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. This is a large and diverse department with many multidiscipilinary research projects into societally relevant topics.
https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/faculties/faculty-of-social-sciences/departments/political-science-and-public-administration.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
A better understanding of ourselves and social communities, values and meaning, through social sciences and humanities. That is the aim of The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. No single discipline can do this alone. The SSH disciplines are characterised by an open way of thinking and the natural urge to seek coherence and connection.
The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc) and School of Humanities (SH).
Are you interested in joining Social Sciences and Humanities? You become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application (Academic CV, Letter of Motivation, Teaching Experience).
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.