The Behavioural Science Institute of Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, is hiring a Full Professor of Work, Organisations and Digital Technology. Please apply before May 15th, 2020

The Behavioural Science Institute of Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, is hiring a Full Professor of Work, Organisations and Digital Technology. 

The full specifications are below: 

Profile Full Professor of
Work, Organisations and Digital Technology

Digital technology has great influence in the field of Work and Organisational Psychology. The aim of the new chair in ‘Work, Organisations and Digital Technology’ is to contribute to knowledge on how to design, introduce and implement digital technology in work and organisations in a human-friendly, healthy, ethical and socially responsible manner.

1. The scientific field of Work and Organisational Psychology

Work and organisational psychology can be described as the science of human behaviour, cognition, emotion and motivation in the context of work and organisations. A fundamental goal of this discipline is to develop and test theoretical models to advance understanding of general principles of human behaviour, and related cognition, emotion and motivation, in work and organisational contexts. An applied goal is to use theoretical insights to optimize human behaviour in specific work, social and organisational contexts. Work and organisational psychology has a long history in which scientific knowledge has strongly developed against the background of societal influences. Traditionally within work and organisational psychology, three sub-disciplines can be distinguished:

• Work (and health) psychology (or occupational health psychology), focusing on specific tasks carried out at work and how physical and psychosocial work characteristics relate to cognition, emotion and motivation in shaping work behaviour, health and performance;
• Organisational psychology, focusing on how work behaviour develops in broader social, cultural and organisational contexts (e.g., teams, leadership, organisational culture); and
• Personnel (or human resource) psychology, focusing on the person- environment fit, i.e., how individual characteristics (e.g., personality, competencies) interact with work and organisational characteristics.

2. The Work and Organisational Psychology group

The mission of the Work and Organisational (W&O) Psychology group is to contribute to understanding and optimising human behaviour in work and organisational contexts.

The research programme of the W&O Psychology group focuses on Work, Health and Performance (WHP), and best fits the domain of work and health psychology. The mission of our programme is to conduct innovative research on the psychological processes underlying human work behaviour, health and performance, in order to optimize work behaviour and work and organisational contexts. Our fundamental goal is to increase our understanding of the relationships between work characteristics, employee health and performance, and the underlying motivational, cognitive-affective, physiological and behavioural processes. Our applied research goal is to improve the quality of work and sustainable employability by providing evidence-based guidelines and interventions to design healthy jobs and work environments, to prevent stress and work-related unhealthy behaviour (e.g., sedentary behaviour), and to promote recovery, health behaviour (e.g., leisure time physical activity) and work motivation, in the context of a prolonged and modern working life.

Our research is characterized by a multi-method approach. We conduct laboratory experiments (e.g., reward-driven distraction during task performance, and musical entrainment as stress recovery mechanism), longitudinal field studies (mapping the temporal dynamics of, for instance, physical active/inactive behaviour or fatigue experiences), and applied intervention and implementation studies (focusing on the effects and process of, e.g., implementing flexible work time and location arrangements, and exercise or recovery interventions). We combine self-report measures with objective behavioural, psycho-physiological, and/or neurocognitive measurements. We pursue an ‘open science’ practice.

The teaching programme of the W&O Psychology group covers all three sub- disciplines of W&O psychology, and includes the bachelor’s degree programme in Psychology, the master’s degree programme Work, Organisation and Health, and the Research Master’s degree Programme Behavioural Science. Our Master’s specialisation in Work, Organisation and Health, with a yearly inflow of 55-70 new students, focuses on three specific areas, which are clearly recognisable in the professional field: work and health psychology (or occupational health psychology), organisational psychology, and personnel (human resource) psychology. This Master’s programme includes a focus on scientific insights as well as acquiring practical skills, and follows a scientist-practitioner approach. The programme's teaching methods are interactive and challenging.

The W&O Psychology group is currently lead by Prof. Sabine Geurts. The unit currently includes 7 (almost) full-time and 15 part-time faculty and included 3,8 fte for research (tenured 3,4 fte, non-tenured 0.4 fte, plus 6 PhD candidates) and 7,4 fte for teaching (tenured 6,6 fte, non-tenured 0.8 fte). Members of the W&O Psychology group have national and international standing for their research into stress, recovery, health behaviour, motivation, rewards, and sustainable employability, and serve on various editioral positions for high-quality journals in the field (Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Motivation and Emotion, Motivation Science, Work and Stress). We value (interdisciplinary) teamwork and collaborate intensively on research projects and writing grant proposals. The ambiance is open, positive and dynamic. The group meets weekly for inspiring research meetings. Every month the group additionally meets to discuss daily as well as more strategic issues related to research and teaching, both at the group level as well at the level of the research and teaching institutes.

3. A new Chair in Work, Organisations and Digital Technology

Over the past decade, digital technology has become increasingly important in the field of W&O psychology. Digital technology is a broad concept and includes, for instance, artificial intelligence, robotics, and (new ways of) human-machine interaction. Digital technology impacts the nature and context of work, requires specific and novel human skills, and enables new forms of interaction between people beyond the borders of the workplace. The aim of the new chair in ‘Work, Organisations and Digital Technology’ is to contribute to knowledge on how to design, introduce and implement digital technology at work in a human-friendly manner, protecting and optimising quality of work, performance capabilities, and sustainable employability of workers.

The nature and context of work have changed enormously due to digital technology. In the Western world, physical and routine-based tasks have been declining, work is becoming increasingly intensive, complex and cognitive by nature, and the boundaries between working life and private life are blurring. Since the last decade, digital technology has been introduced at nearly every workplace, and workers have to increasingly interact with and rely upon this technology. Often digital technology contributes to more efficient work processes, but at the same time, job autonomy is being challenged. The ongoing technological developments make us wonder how digital technology impacts workers’ decision authority, responsibility, and experienced meaningfulness in the work setting, as well as the work-life balance. It also challenges human competencies: some human competencies diminish (de- skilling) as intelligent technology can do the job much better, but other novel human competencies (re-skilling and upskilling) are required in order to deal with technological innovations. It is important that digital technology is developed and introduced in work and organisations in a healthy, human-friendly, ethical and socially responsible manner. This implies that workers are enabled to develop and train the skills necessary to interact with digital technology, and that digital technology will be used to stimulate inclusiveness of the labour market (e.g., including older workers and people with chronic diseases) and new ways of working (e.g., time- and location-independent working, and digital online platforms) that are beneficial for both employers and employees. These considerations of ‘responsibility’, ‘explainability’ and ‘social awareness’ of technological innovations ensure close alignment with the Artificial Intelligence Research Agenda for the Netherlands, as well as with the European vision of human-centred Artificial Intelligence.

We are especially looking for you if you are an enthusiastic and excellent researcher and lecturer with expertise and interest in the impact of digital technological innovations (e.g., new ways of human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, robotics) on work and organisations (e.g., new ways of working, online platform businesses) in terms of health, well-being and work performance (e.g., de-/re-/up- skilling of workers, sustainable employability, stress, recovery, quality of work, work-life balance). We are also interested if you can contribute in some other innovative way to our fundamental and/or applied research goals, in the context of a prolonged and modern working life. You will be expected to initiate new research lines in work and organisational psychology, preferably in relation to digitalisation, strengthen and complement the current research activities of the WHP research group, and acquire external funding for research in the area of work, organisations and digital technology. Additionally, you have many opportunities to share your knowledge with students by means of teaching responsibilities.

4. Embedding

The professorship will be embedded in the Behavioural Science Institute and the School of Psychology, both part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Radboud University. The position will be rooted in the W&O Psychology group (Chair: Prof. Sabine Geurts).

The Behavioural Science Institute (BSI) is a multidisciplinary research institute for behavioural science. Our researchers collaborate across the boundaries of psychology, educational science, and communication science. BSI has seven research programmes covering three major research themes: 1) development and learning, 2) psychopathology, health and well-being, and 3) social processes and communication. BSI scientists conduct both fundamental and applied/translational research. BSI has state-of-the-art research facilities for observational studies, experiments, eye-tracking studies, EEG and other physiological measures, and behavioural measurements in real and 3D virtual environments.

The School of Psychology offers excellent educational programmes for approximately 1.800 students: the Bachelor's programme3 with a yearly inflow of 450 new students. The Master's degree in Psychology4 has three specialisations that prepare students for an academic or professional career: Work, Organisation and Health, Behaviour Change, and Health Care Psychology. The School of Psychology offers two Research Master programmes: Behavioural Science (in collaboration with the BSI) and Cognitive Neuroscience (in collaboration with the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour).

5. Job description

The vacancy of the Professor of Work, Organisations and Digital Technology at Radboud University consists of a package of tasks covering research, valorisation, teaching, management, and administrative tasks.

Research and valorisation

You will conduct research in the Work, Health, and Performance (WHP) programme. Your research tasks will cover 50% of your working time. You will conduct and publish high quality research in the area of work, organisations and digital technology, including the supervision of PhD students. You will actively search for national and international collaboration within the discipline of work and organisational psychology and with disciplines related to digital technology (e.g., artificial intelligence). You will be a mentor of (junior) staff and stimulate collaborations within the BSI. You are expected to acquire and supervise externally funded research projects in the field of work, organisations and digital technology, and represent the field in international committees and editorial positions. You will regularly translate your research to a wide audience of scientists and non-scientists.

Teaching

You will develop teaching lines, teach courses and supervise students at the School of Psychology, especially in the ‘Behaviour and Environment’ domain of the Bachelor’s degree programme, the Master’s programme ‘Work, Organisation and
Health’ , and the Research Master’s programme in Behavioural Science . Although this position is rooted in the School of Psychology and the W&O Psychology group, its profile transcends the discipline of psychology. It is therefore to be expected that you will also contribute to programmes others than psychology, such as the Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes related to digital technology (e.g., in artificial intelligence). Teaching tasks will cover 50% of your working time. Teaching will be in Dutch and in English.

Management and administrative tasks

You will contribute to the management of the W&O Psychology group and to the advisory boards of the Behavioural Science Institute and School of Psychology. You may also have broader managerial tasks within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Radboud University.

6. Job requirements

We are seeking a professor with specific expertise and interest in the impact of digital technology on work and organisations who can complement and strengthen the current expertise of the W&O Psychology group. We are looking for you if you have:

• an interdisciplinary attitude with a PhD degree in either Social and Behavioural Sciences (e.g., work and organisational psychology, organisational behaviour, communication science, sociology, management science or occupational health science) or Computer Science (or a related discipline), and proven affinity with the other domain;
• a clear and appealing vision on the future of relevant and promising research in work and organisational psychology, in particular in the area of work, organisations and digital technology;
• an excellent track record as indicated by international recognition, an extensive (inter)national network, editorial positions, and grants/fellowships obtained;
• high-impact publications in academic journals;
• excellent qualifications in quantitative research methodology;
• extensive experience with providing inspirational and high-quality teaching and coordination of courses and teaching programmes, as evidenced by a certificate (University Teaching Qualification [BKO] or Senior University Teaching Qualification [UKO]);
• proven record of supervising doctoral students to successful completion;
• proven competence in acquiring external research funding;
• affinity and experience with knowledge dissemination and societal impact;
• a positive attitude towards open science practices and replicable and reproducible research (including pre-registration and data sharing);
• ability and willingness to actively participate in management tasks for the W&O Psychology group, the research and teaching institutes, and the Faculty of Social Sciences;
• an interdisciplinary attitude and interest in collaborating with other research groups and disciplines;
• management and leadership skills; the ability to motivate and actively engage staff members;
• a collaborative attitude; the ability to work well in a team on research and teaching;
• an enthusiastic and inspiring personality;
• excellent command of spoken and written Dutch (or the willingness to learn Dutch)
• excellent command of spoken and written English, preferable at Cambridge Proficiency level C2;
• an academic philosophy and vision that matches Radboud University's mission statement.

Please note that not only Full Professors but also Senior Associate Professors (with at least five years of experience in management and organisational tasks) are invited to apply for this vacancy.

7. Appointment Advisory Committee

• Prof. Sabine Geurts (Full professor work and organisational psychology, WHP/BSI, committee chair)
• Prof. Toon Cillessen (Director Behavioural Science Institute, RU)
• Prof. Ruud Meulenbroek (Director School of Psychology, RU)
• Prof. Tibor Bosse (Full professor communication science and artificial intelligence)
• Prof. Marleen Huysman (Full Professor, Head of the KIN Center for Digital Innovation, VU University).
• Dr. Debby Beckers (Associate Professor, WHP/BSI)
• Mw. Marlies Bongers (HR-advisor, Faculty of Social Sciences)
• Mw. Wieke Knol (student Research Master Behavioural Science)

For more information, please follow this link.