Job description
Are you a quantitative researcher with a passion for green criminology and experience with collecting and analyzing quantitative data? Are you interested in furthering our understanding of the extent and developments of illegal fishing and the fish populations in the Netherlands? Are you driven, independent and interested in exploring new data sources? Then you might be the person we are searching for.
The NSCR is currently hiring two researchers as part of a larger project titled “Fishing in Troubled Waters”. Each of these positions are for four years and will be part of a larger research team. This project investigates (illegal) fishing in the Netherlands through various perspectives and methods. Below you find the description of the second of these researchers.
This researcher will work on a project investigating the extent and impact of illegal fishing in the Netherlands from a criminological and ecological perspective. While previous research indicates that illegal fishing practices are widespread, little is known about this phenomenon in a Dutch context. There is no central database providing an overview of the status quo of (illegal) fishing and its impact on fish populations in the Netherlands. This project focuses on gathering and analysing (secondary) sources and databases on illegal fishing to better understand how the current fishing practices might shape the development in fish populations. The project, therefore, entails collecting and analysing primarily quantitative data around (illegal) fishing, law enforcement of fishing regulations, and developments in fish populations in the Netherlands. This could be in the form for registrations by the inspection services, GPS data on vessel movement in Dutch waters, and registrations of fish populations or other available data sources. This researcher position aims to answer questions such as: Which sources of information exist on illegal fishing in the Netherlands? How widespread is illegal fishing in the Netherlands and what is the dark number of illegal fishing in the Netherlands? What is law enforcement registering and how are they regulating current fishing practices? How are fish populations and the marine ecosystem affected by illegal fishing?
The ideal candidate has:
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PhD in criminology, sociology, anthropology, environmental studies, socio-legal studies, victimology or a related discipline.
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Familiarity with one or more of the following research areas: green criminology, environmental governance, environmental justice, political ecology, socio-legal studies, or related fields.
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Demonstrated experience designing and conducting quantitative research.
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Experience with collecting or getting access to secondary quantitative data
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Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders from different professional, institutional and community backgrounds.
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Experience using quantitative data analysis software (e.g. R, STATA or Python).
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Excellent analytical and academic writing skills, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
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Ability to engage respectfully with people holding diverse or conflicting perspectives and to build trust with research participants.
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Ability to work independently while contributing to an interdisciplinary research team.
What we offer
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You will first receive a contract (0.8 fte/ 32 hours) at NSCR for the period of one year. If you perform well, it will be extended for three years.
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The starting salary depends on experience and is at least € 3.908 till 5.377 per month on the basis of a 0.8 fte appointment (scale 11 of the collective labour agreement Research Institutions).
- Besides an end-of-year bonus of 8.33%, holiday allowance of 8%, good pension, hybrid working place and 8 weeks holiday leave.
- Click here for more information about the employment conditions.
- A pre-employment screening, including the submission of a VOG, is part of the procedure.
More information
For more information about this position, you can contact dr. Peter Ejbye-Ernst, senior researcher and group leader (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 before 26 October 2026.
Diversity code
The NSCR promotes a diverse workforce: we strive to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select based on abilities and talent. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the position, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical abilities.
About the NSCR
The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) is a national research institute that conducts scientific research on crime and law enforcement. NSCR is part of the Institutes Organization of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The NSCR conducts interdisciplinary and longitudinal research at the intersection of theory, practice, and policy and is located in one of the buildings of VU University Amsterdam.
