Job description
As a project leader, you will work with a team of data, IT, and security specialists, as well as researchers from the NSCR research groups, to achieve the objectives of the innovation project “Unlocking Crime Data in the Netherlands”. These objectives include building a digital infrastructure, including a repository of datasets and documents; compiling metadata files; establishing connections with infrastructures such as ODISSEI and DANS; and facilitating secure access to highly sensitive data. In addition, the project focuses on setting up trend studies or monitors in the areas of crime, victimization, and law enforcement.
As project leader, you will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Collecting and making accessible datasets, both from within and outside the NSCR.
- Coordinating with subject matter experts (program leaders and researchers at the NSCR).
- Contributing to and, where necessary, initiating NSCR trend studies, for example in the field of green criminology.
- Developing and monitoring a project plan, including the budget, schedule, and implementation.
- Providing clear reports to stakeholders on progress, risks, and results.
- Coordinating with the NSCR’s data and IT specialists and privacy coordinator regarding the possibilities.
- Seeking alignment with and collaborating with institutions such as ODISSEI and DANS.
The ideal candidate has:
- A university degree, including a Ph.D.
- Experience with (the processing and analysis of) complex data, such as registry data.
- Experience with scientific research.
- An affinity for the broad field of criminology, victimology, and criminal justice/societal responses.
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations regarding privacy, data security, and data storage.
- A passion for open science.
- Experience as a project leader with technical knowledge of data infrastructure design.
- An entrepreneurial attitude and strong networking skills.
What we offer
- A 4-year employment contract for 32–36 hours per week (reduction to 24 hours is negotiable).
- The salary depends on your education and experience and is up to a maximum of € 6,876.90 per month based on 36-hours appointment (scale 11/12 of the collective labour agreement Research Institutions).
- In addition, the terms of employment include an end-of-year bonus (8.33%), vacation allowance (8%), a good pension scheme, a hybrid workplace, and 8 weeks of vacation annually. For more information, see here.
- A pre-screening such as a VOG and an assessment may be part of the hiring process.
More information
For more information about this position, you can contact dr. Peter Ejbye-Ernst, senior researcher and groupleader (pejbyeernst@nscr.nl). Information about the recruitment procedure and secondary employment conditions can be requested from Manon Quik, HR Advisor (mquik@nscr.nl)
Apply
Applicants should send a motivation letter and resume June 14, 2026 to: vacancy@nscr.nl
Diversity code
The NSCR encourages a diverse workforce: we strive to develop talent and creativity by bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together. We recruit and select based on capabilities and talent. We strongly encourage anyone with the appropriate qualifications to apply for the position, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or physical ability. Read about the vision of the NSCR on diversity.
About the NSCR
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is the national research funder. The Institutes Organization of NWO (NWO-I) comprises nine national centers of expertise in specific scientific fields, from astronomy to marine research to crime and law enforcement, the research area of the NSCR. The NWO institutes conduct high-quality scientific research and function as powerful national instruments in science policy. They make it possible to coordinate scientific fields for a longer period of time and to renew research in them.
