For our research team and educational master team, we are looking for a junior researcher (minimum Master level of education) and educator in the field of socio-technical innovation and digital transformation. The researcher will work in close collaboration with the Pulsed research team, working-field representatives and the Master Digital Technology Engineering team.

The Fontys Pulsed research group "Systems for transformation" is working on a new, reach portfolio of research projects that revolve around the theme of interdisciplinary (socio-technical) innovation in complex contexts. To this aim, we are currently conducting practice-based research on two main topics: the factors that influence the effectiveness of participatory design for socio-technical innovation and the human-centred factors that determine digital transformation readiness in small and medium enterprises. These research projects represent a broad and complex ground that must be explored for the advancement of our industrial, societal and educational practices. Our objective at the moment is to increase our expertise around these topics, so that we can actively contribute to the research field and, most importantly, we can be front-runners in the design of innovative and relevant educational programs for Fontys in the Brainport region.

Our new colleague is going therefore to perform tasks as researcher (~70%) and educator (~30%); 

The main research tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Design, execution and documentation of practice-oriented research cycles: from systematic literature reviews, to interviews and focus groups with partners in the working field, you have a pro-active approach in organizing and carrying the research acitivities. You propose and use appropriate and advanced analysis techniques to synthesize new knowledge and take responsibility in disseminating your findings in symposia and conferences. When relevant, you collaborate with the Master Digital Technology team to integrate your findings in the master program;
• Design and implementation of tangible prototypes: the group adopts mainly research through design methods, therefore we are looking for a researcher with basic knowledge of rapid prototyping (think of: paper prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing) and testing of innovative tools that are both the result and the mean of your research.
• Design of new research projects: you use your expertise to scout for new project opportunities that fit the research portfolio of the group. Supported by senior researchers, you design tangible projects and conduct preliminary research for the application to new research funding.

For our research group it is of utmost importance to exploit the concurrent development of research results and educational design. 

• Education implementation: to meet emerging industry demands and enhance the professional profile of graduates, the existing Master Digital Technology Engineering program is currently working on the development of specialization tracks. The project is embedded in the "Beethoven" program, that targets the development of highly skilled professionals aligned with industry needs. The design of the program should effortlessly integrate with the existing educational framework of the Master Digital Technology Engineering; supported by experienced educators, educational designers and content experts, you actively participate through all design phases, from problem understanding to piloting, by conducting relevant research (industry needs and program needs) and proposing solutions to embed your findings in the design. You support the deployment of the tracks through prototyping and piloting of (parts of) the new program. You help to assess the effectiveness of the deployment and reiterate the design until the predefined project objectives are met.
• Liaisons administration and operations: within our Master Digital Technology Engineering program, connection with the working field is essential to assess relevancy for the industry and (re-)design the program accordingly; furthermore, our open-ended challenges and internship propositions always benefit from warm, well-managed connections. To this aim, you leverage your organizational and communicative skills to support working-field collaboration and international collaboration projects; you oversee the communication channels with companies, non-profit organizations, innovation and research centres and take action to keep those connections strong and well documented. You work in collaboration with the internationalization team to deploy the blended-intensive-program at Pulsed; this responsibility includes organizing activities and materials to welcome and host international guests, as well as designing (under supervision of senior educators) educational activities that comply with the program specifications.

Meet our team

Fontys Pulsed is a people-oriented and innovative team within Fontys Technology that develops and provides pioneering education, embodied in six inspiring programs that create a dynamic blend of technology and craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and business, design and creativity. Students at Fontys Pulsed work together in a design-focused way on real-world issues and participate in communities of practice, where they learn to take good care of themselves, build relationships, and contribute positively to the world around them. In this way, they discover and strengthen their talents and grow into self-aware and adaptable (engineering) professionals.

This is how you make an impact

To make an impact in this position we expect a minimum, relevant master-thinking level (level 7) in the disciplines of: digital technology engineering, industrial engineering, industrial design engineering, innovation science; minimum English level C1 is necessary. Didactic competence or teaching qualification and Dutch speaking are a pro.

As a researcher and educator you have:

• Strong interest in human-centred design and interdisciplinary research;
• Experience with (practice-based) research from design to dissemination;
• Expertise in the fields of socio-technical innovation and digital transformation;
• A feeling for educational models and structures (or strong interest);
• Experience with tutoring and passion for the educational field and students' growth;
• A natural talent for providing structure and organizing (educational) activities in a timely manner while keeping room for flexibility;
• Excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills;

As a person you have:

• A natural talent for providing structure and organizing (educational) activities in a timely manner while keeping room for flexibility;
• Excellent communication, collaboration and teamwork skills;

Employment conditions

If you choose Fontys, you will naturally also choose very nice primary and secondary terms of employment and an appropriate salary. A sample of what we have to offer:

• Salary in scale 10 (min € 3.826,54 – max € 5.699,76)
• 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Employment: Tijdelijk
• Around 50 days off (including public holidays)
• You make annual result and development agreements with your manager, where there is plenty of room and facilities to make the best use of your talents and develop further.

Curious about all terms of employment? Check our webpage and the Hoger Beroepsonderwijs HBO cao 2024-2025

Why work at Fontys

Fontys finds it important that all staff and students feel welcome. Diversity enriches our education, research and organisation. And contributes to a sustainable, inclusive and vital society. As this society is in a constant state of change, we, as a university of applied sciences, respond to it. With our 'Fontys for society' strategy, we are on our way to becoming a talent-driven, research-oriented and agile organisation. Because what leads to progress today is outdated tomorrow. It is important that we continuously renew, enrich and refresh our education. Only then will we know how to fulfil our social mission. Together. With you? Read more about Fontys University of Applied Sciences and our course on Fontys.nl

Practical information

We like to make things easy for you, the following is definitely going to help you with that.

• Don't wait too long to apply, this vacancy closes soon
• Address your application to: Stella Lo Guidice, Researcher and Lecturer
• Any questions about the vacancy? No problem. Ask them to Stella Lo Giudice (T: +31885081152)
• Questions about the procedure can be addressed to Fontys Talentcentrum (HR&O), 08850 75366
• Date of talks: Vanaf 2-3-2026
• If we’re both positive, the start date will be: As soon as possible
• A compulsory assessment has been introduced at Fontys for anyone who will be performing work at Fontys, in the form of a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.