Researcher/consultant

Harnessing the opportunities that technology and innovation offer for addressing societal issues is easier said than done. Every day, companies, governments, and social organizations are busy finding innovative ways to make sustainable, digitize, and transform. The worlds of science, business, social organizations, and policy are working together to find new solutions for persistent societal problems. This ranges from achieving a circular economy and affordable healthcare to smart digitalization strategies, innovative financing, and forging new knowledge coalitions.

If you want to connect these worlds and contribute to an innovative and sustainable society, then research and consultancy work at Dialogic could be right for you.

What do we do at Dialogic?

Every year, we carry out over 100 applied research, evaluation, and advisory projects in our domains of innovation & entrepreneurship, science, digitalization, sustainability, education & labour market, safety, and health. Many colleagues at Dialogic are active across multiple themes.
We assist our clients with current and socially relevant questions, such as:

• How can we ensure that companies contribute as effectively as possible to societal goals such as sustainability and safety?
• Which new '21st century skills' should be included in educational curricula?
• How can we increase the impact of scientific research and also measure it better?
• What societal opportunities and challenges do new technologies such as AI, 5G, and quantum computers bring?

To answer these types of questions, we use various qualitative (interviews, case studies, etc.) and quantitative (dashboards, regressions, machine learning, etc.) research and data collection methods. We translate the research results into understandable conclusions and recommendations. We call this research-based advisory, as we always substantiate our advice with thorough analysis or knowledge base.

Our company is home to many disciplines, including innovation scientists, data scientists, business administrators, sociologists, and psychologists. You will work on multiple challenging and complex assignments simultaneously, and in a short period, you will learn a lot about our economy and society. By working on projects and assuming different roles, you will evolve into an experienced project leader, subject matter expert, and/or consultant. There are plenty of opportunities for career advancement. Many of our seniors and partners began their careers at Dialogic as junior or mid-level researchers/advisors.

Do you fit with us?

We are looking for researchers with a passion for applied (policy) research who align well with Dialogic's goals and activities. This means:

• that you are dedicated to tackling societal challenges related to themes such as innovation, sustainability, digitalization, education, the labour market, safety, and health;
• that you enjoy collaborating and working in teams on various projects - project-based research and consultancy work are at the core of our company;
• that in your work, you actively contribute to this world through conducting applied research and offering advice;
• that you prefer working for the public sector, for example for ministries, provinces, municipalities, and agencies nationally and internationally (such as Flanders);
• that you have an interest in innovation and social innovation.

The only strict requirements for the role are that you:

• have completed a university master's degree and/or a PhD programme with good results (level and experience determine entry as junior or mid-level);
• have a strong interest in applied research and advisory projects;
• have excellent command of the Dutch language in speech and writing.

Additionally, it can be valuable if you have a background in fields such as innovation sciences, economics, organizational sciences, or business administration, but we explicitly welcome anyone who can work energetically and passionately alongside us on the societal challenges of tomorrow. We also explicitly encourage experienced researchers - for instance, those who have recently completed their PhD or are about to do so - to apply. They have already proven to be skilled researchers and can often progress quickly at Dialogic to become project leaders or senior researchers/advisors.