PhD Position: Future-Proof Jobs for Vulnerable Workers in Smart Industry

The Dutch industry needs a skilled workforce to keep up with and contribute to digital and green transitions. However, finding and retaining qualified employees is challenging, and skills quickly become outdated due to fast-developing technologies (AI, XR, robots). Currently, most Smart Industry companies lack human capital and knowledge to achieve their maximum potential. The Smart Skills@Scale project, which started in January 2024, connects five research universities, three universities of applied sciences, eleven Smart Industry communities, 450 SMEs and several social partners and educational partners in an eight-year programme to realise a major breakthrough aimed at creating a sustainably employable workforce. In a total of four work packages, we stimulate the development of human-centric production systems, smart workplaces, jobs and careers, and (regional) partnerships. With this integrated approach, we want to empower production employees and organisations to achieve a human-centric, resilient and sustainable Smart Industry sector.

The Strategic Human Resource Management group is currently seeking an enthusiastic PhD who is committed to contributing to at the aim of safeguarding a robust and resilient workforce in the Smart Industry sector.

Your research will consist of three types of studies. First, you will conduct an integrative systematic literature review about labour market opportunities, transitions, supportive work environment characteristics and inclusive technology support (e.g. operator support systems) for workers with specific needs. The second study will use the outcomes of the literature study and translate these into a qualitative study among both employed and unemployed vulnerable workers (workers with a vocational qualification at Dutch MBO Level 1 and 2 and sheltered workers) to gain an in-depth understanding of their needs and requirements in transitioning to the Smart Industry. Subsequently, in Study 3, the knowledge about their needs and requirements will be translated into the final research activity, which will comprise the development of simulation and job redesign interventions.

You will work independently on your research while maintaining close connections with other researchers in the project and stakeholders from small and medium-sized enterprises. You will report and present your findings for both scientific and non-scientific audiences, such as at scientific conferences, in journal publications and during workshops for Smart Industry communities.

In this project, we embrace team science. The homebase for your research is at Radboud University in Nijmegen, but you will also be part of a larger research team of other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and senior researchers from multiple Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Also, our research team involves experts who help disseminate findings, coordinate with our partners from practice and have expertise in building tools. Additionally, eight world-renowned researchers – members of our international scientific committee – will provide feedback on your work and might offer you opportunities for international experiences as well.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

PhD Position: Future-Proof Jobs for Vulnerable Workers in Smart Industry

The Dutch industry needs a skilled workforce to keep up with and contribute to digital and green transitions. However, finding and retaining qualified employees is challenging, and skills quickly become outdated due to fast-developing technologies (AI, XR, robots). Currently, most Smart Industry companies lack human capital and knowledge to achieve their maximum potential. The Smart Skills@Scale project, which started in January 2024, connects five research universities, three universities of applied sciences, eleven Smart Industry communities, 450 SMEs and several social partners and educational partners in an eight-year programme to realise a major breakthrough aimed at creating a sustainably employable workforce. In a total of four work packages, we stimulate the development of human-centric production systems, smart workplaces, jobs and careers, and (regional) partnerships. With this integrated approach, we want to empower production employees and organisations to achieve a human-centric, resilient and sustainable Smart Industry sector.

The Strategic Human Resource Management group is currently seeking an enthusiastic PhD who is committed to contributing to at the aim of safeguarding a robust and resilient workforce in the Smart Industry sector.

Your research will consist of three types of studies. First, you will conduct an integrative systematic literature review about labour market opportunities, transitions, supportive work environment characteristics and inclusive technology support (e.g. operator support systems) for workers with specific needs. The second study will use the outcomes of the literature study and translate these into a qualitative study among both employed and unemployed vulnerable workers (workers with a vocational qualification at Dutch MBO Level 1 and 2 and sheltered workers) to gain an in-depth understanding of their needs and requirements in transitioning to the Smart Industry. Subsequently, in Study 3, the knowledge about their needs and requirements will be translated into the final research activity, which will comprise the development of simulation and job redesign interventions.

You will work independently on your research while maintaining close connections with other researchers in the project and stakeholders from small and medium-sized enterprises. You will report and present your findings for both scientific and non-scientific audiences, such as at scientific conferences, in journal publications and during workshops for Smart Industry communities.

In this project, we embrace team science. The homebase for your research is at Radboud University in Nijmegen, but you will also be part of a larger research team of other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and senior researchers from multiple Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Also, our research team involves experts who help disseminate findings, coordinate with our partners from practice and have expertise in building tools. Additionally, eight world-renowned researchers – members of our international scientific committee – will provide feedback on your work and might offer you opportunities for international experiences as well.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

PhD Position: Future-Proof Jobs for Vulnerable Workers in Smart Industry

The Dutch industry needs a skilled workforce to keep up with and contribute to digital and green transitions. However, finding and retaining qualified employees is challenging, and skills quickly become outdated due to fast-developing technologies (AI, XR, robots). Currently, most Smart Industry companies lack human capital and knowledge to achieve their maximum potential. The Smart Skills@Scale project, which started in January 2024, connects five research universities, three universities of applied sciences, eleven Smart Industry communities, 450 SMEs and several social partners and educational partners in an eight-year programme to realise a major breakthrough aimed at creating a sustainably employable workforce. In a total of four work packages, we stimulate the development of human-centric production systems, smart workplaces, jobs and careers, and (regional) partnerships. With this integrated approach, we want to empower production employees and organisations to achieve a human-centric, resilient and sustainable Smart Industry sector.

The Strategic Human Resource Management group is currently seeking an enthusiastic PhD who is committed to contributing to at the aim of safeguarding a robust and resilient workforce in the Smart Industry sector.

Your research will consist of three types of studies. First, you will conduct an integrative systematic literature review about labour market opportunities, transitions, supportive work environment characteristics and inclusive technology support (e.g. operator support systems) for workers with specific needs. The second study will use the outcomes of the literature study and translate these into a qualitative study among both employed and unemployed vulnerable workers (workers with a vocational qualification at Dutch MBO Level 1 and 2 and sheltered workers) to gain an in-depth understanding of their needs and requirements in transitioning to the Smart Industry. Subsequently, in Study 3, the knowledge about their needs and requirements will be translated into the final research activity, which will comprise the development of simulation and job redesign interventions.

You will work independently on your research while maintaining close connections with other researchers in the project and stakeholders from small and medium-sized enterprises. You will report and present your findings for both scientific and non-scientific audiences, such as at scientific conferences, in journal publications and during workshops for Smart Industry communities.

In this project, we embrace team science. The homebase for your research is at Radboud University in Nijmegen, but you will also be part of a larger research team of other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and senior researchers from multiple Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Also, our research team involves experts who help disseminate findings, coordinate with our partners from practice and have expertise in building tools. Additionally, eight world-renowned researchers – members of our international scientific committee – will provide feedback on your work and might offer you opportunities for international experiences as well.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

PhD Positions: BSI Graduate School

The BSI’s overall aim is to strengthen people by means of high-quality research on human behaviour. BSI has a strong tradition of linking fundamental and applied science from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to contribute to societally relevant research themes.

The four PhD positions are all linked to the research theme “Empowering the Young”. “The Young” refers to the full range of young people, from infants, children, and adolescents to young adults, such as students, early-career workers, and young parents. The BSI aims to study the challenges that young people face and to contribute to their empowerment and well-being by providing the knowledge, tools, and confidence to shape their future.

The four BSI programmes which offer a PhD position are:

1. Behaviour Change and Well-Being (BCW)
2. Experimental Psychopathology and Treatment (EPT)
3. Learning, Education, and Development (LED)
4. Work, Health and Performance (WHP)

In the document, at the very end of the vacancy text (under 'Attachment'), you will find specific information about the four PhD positions. Please read this document carefully. When applying, you are asked to indicate which particular (max. 2) position(s) appeal(s) to you most.

As part of your PhD position, you will have a teaching task of 10% and the opportunity to make a start with/work on your teaching portfolio for the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

PhD Positions: BSI Graduate School

The BSI’s overall aim is to strengthen people by means of high-quality research on human behaviour. BSI has a strong tradition of linking fundamental and applied science from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to contribute to societally relevant research themes.

The four PhD positions are all linked to the research theme “Empowering the Young”. “The Young” refers to the full range of young people, from infants, children, and adolescents to young adults, such as students, early-career workers, and young parents. The BSI aims to study the challenges that young people face and to contribute to their empowerment and well-being by providing the knowledge, tools, and confidence to shape their future.

The four BSI programmes which offer a PhD position are:

1. Behaviour Change and Well-Being (BCW)
2. Experimental Psychopathology and Treatment (EPT)
3. Learning, Education, and Development (LED)
4. Work, Health and Performance (WHP)

In the document, at the very end of the vacancy text (under 'Attachment'), you will find specific information about the four PhD positions. Please read this document carefully. When applying, you are asked to indicate which particular (max. 2) position(s) appeal(s) to you most.

As part of your PhD position, you will have a teaching task of 10% and the opportunity to make a start with/work on your teaching portfolio for the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.