Department: Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University
Employment: 1.0 FTE
Gross Monthly Salary: €3,546 – €5,538
Required Background: PhD
Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
Join Radboud University as a postdoctoral researcher driving ScaleUA, an international Horizon Europe initiative strengthening Ukraine’s tech infrastructure and shaping innovation, strategy, and governance across Europe.
ScaleUA is a Coordination and Support Action focused on rebuilding and integrating Ukraine’s technology infrastructure into the European innovation ecosystem. The project involves:
Innovation systems analysis
Infrastructure mapping
Governance design
Investment prioritisation across energy, digital technologies, and health sectors
The project is coordinated by Radboud University and implemented by an international consortium of academic, policy, and industry partners from Ukraine and Europe.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in the project, embedded in a policy-facing, international research environment at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and public governance.
You will:
Lead the operational coordination of the project
Coordinate consortium partners and contribute to overall project coherence
Contribute to the design of the project’s analytical framework
Co-develop and support research activities related to governance models, investment prioritisation, and EU alignment pathways
Assist in translating research findings into policy-relevant insights and advice
Draft policy reports and analytical outputs for stakeholders
Support stakeholder engagement activities (workshops, pilots)
Contribute to academic publications based on project work
We are looking for a candidate who combines strong analytical skills with the ability to work in a complex, policy-relevant research environment. You have:
A PhD (or nearly completed PhD) in strategy, economics, innovation studies, political economy, public policy, or a closely related field
Experience with research on innovation systems, infrastructure, governance, or industrial policy
Strong qualitative and/or mixed-method research skills
Excellent writing skills, producing academic and policy-facing outputs
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and coordinate with international partners
Interest in applied research at the intersection of academia, policy, and societal impact
Experience with EU-funded projects or work in post-crisis/transitional contexts (advantageous but not required)
Ukrainian and/or Russian language skills (a plus)
Contract: Temporary, 32 months
Salary: Salary scale 10.0–10.5 (based on education and experience, 38-hour week)
Additional Benefits:
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Extra days off: choose between 30 or 41 annual leave days
Flexible working hours, work-from-home options
Exchange income for extra leave days, sports membership reimbursement
34% discount on sports and cultural activities
Pension plan
Training and development schemes
You will be based at the Strategy Section within the Department of Business Administration at Nijmegen School of Management.
Nijmegen School of Management:
Over 4,500 students and 450 employees
Conducts research in strategy, innovation, governance, economics, political science, public administration, human geography, and environment
Focus on sustainability, responsible governance, and societal impact
Radboud University:
Committed to groundbreaking research, high-quality education, and inclusivity
Promotes an international, diverse, and collaborative research community
Applications can be submitted only via the online application button
Address your letter of application to Dr. Killian Mc Carthy
First interviews: Monday 2 March 2026
Second interviews: Monday 9 March 2026
Preferred start date: May or June 2026
Please note: Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.
Contact for further information:
Dr. K.J. Mc Carthy
Email: killian.mccarthy@ru.nl