Senior Researcher Water and Space

• Academic level of work and thought; a completed doctoral program (PhD) or several years of demonstrable experience with policy or data research is a great advantage.

• Demonstrable expertise in a water-related domain (for example, geohydrology, environmental economics, public administration, urban planning, civil engineering, or physical geography).

• Excellent skills in research methods (statistical, qualitative, or evaluative research).

• The talent to express abstract subject matter in a compact, understandable, and persuasive manner.

• Curiosity about the advisory profession: you don't just want to observe, but want to ensure that research results actually lead to policy change.

At Berenschot, we offer a unique commercial environment without shareholders or partners. This gives us a lot of space and freedom to take initiative and the opportunity to commit ourselves to important social themes. Our informal culture is characteristic. Berenschot is a flat organization with short communication lines where you are truly listened to. There are plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth, where your initiative is embraced and facilitated. You have the freedom to take initiative here. Our diverse and inclusive personnel policy embraces diversity and offers everyone equal opportunities.

Naturally, we also have excellent employment conditions and great development opportunities:

• a one-year contract, with the absolute intention to offer you a permanent contract after one year

• an attractive salary between € 5,086 and € 9,573, tailored to your knowledge and experience

• a representation allowance of € 3,000 per year

• a regular collective profit-sharing scheme (depending on the results of the company)

• an attractive pension scheme

• 27 vacation days, with the possibility to purchase a maximum of 20 additional vacation days in the case of full-time employment

• flexible holidays. We offer the possibility to shift official holidays to days that are meaningful to you.

• a mobility scheme of your choice: a company car or a mobility budget

• a laptop and phone

• the freedom to determine where and when you work, in consultation with your colleagues

• plenty of room for development through internal and external training

0.8 - 1 fte | Utrecht | hybrid | Energy and Living Environment | € 5,086 - € 9,573 | WO Master

Translating insights from science and practice into administrative breakthroughs

The Authority for the Financial Markets warns that foundation damage due to land subsidence and drought threatens to become unaffordable for hundreds of thousands of homeowners. The drinking water sector warns that without rapid capacity expansion, the security of drinking water supply is at risk. At the same time, the Delta Commissioner concludes that funding for water safety must double to keep the Netherlands habitable. To solve such tough issues, sound, independent research is indispensable.

We are looking for an analytical heavyweight (for example, a PhD researcher or experienced data/policy analyst) who investigates complex water and soil issues to their core and translates them into actionable perspectives for the National Government, provinces, water boards, municipalities, and drinking water companies. In doing so, you bridge the gap between science and practice and provide the substantiation for policies and fundamental choices aimed at a climate-resilient Netherlands.

• Leading and conducting research: you conduct qualitative and quantitative policy research focused on challenges such as foundation issues, water availability, a future-proof drinking water supply, and water quality (WFD).

• Contributing methodological sharpness: you design the research setup and evaluation frameworks for conducting studies for courts of audit, ministries, provinces, and water boards.

• Bridging to policy: you translate scientific findings and policy analyses into crystal-clear advice for aldermen, provincial executives, and water board directorates.

• Knowledge development: you contribute to leading publications and represent Berenschot in knowledge and expertise networks.