Help build VU's new Project Management Pool and steer some of its largest EU-funded research consortia. Do you thrive on structure and getting big research projects across the finish line? We'd love to hear from you.
Deadline: 12 November 2026
- Research fields: Engineering
- Job types: Research, development, innovation
- Education level: University graduate
- Weekly hours: 34.2—38 hours per week
- Salary indication: €3,706—€5,760 per month
- Location: De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam
Job description
At IXA-GO, we support researchers throughout the full lifecycle of their research — from securing funding to translating results into value for the market and society. IXA-GO brings together grant advisors, programme managers, business and impact developers, and other support professionals.
The Grants Office helps scientific staff apply for and manage European and Dutch research grants. To further professionalise our support for large, primarily EU-funded consortium projects, we are setting up a central Project Management Pool to support researchers and faculties with the project management of large European and national consortium projects. Most projects we manage have a consortium size of 7–12 partners and a total budget of €3.5M–€8M.
As Project Manager, you provide operational and administrative support to PIs, ensuring smooth delivery of complex, multi-partner projects. You join the Project Management Pool, working both independently and within a matrix team of project managers, programme managers, grants advisors, and project controllers, in close collaboration with the Pool's Coordinating Project Manager.
You work closely with coordinating PIs, who hold overall project responsibility. Your key task is to ensure projects deliver results and that risks are caught early. Funding sources vary — from national programmes like NWO Gravitation, KIC, and NWA-ORC to Horizon Europe instruments — each with its own rules. You maintain regular contact with funders' Project Officers to ensure accurate progress reporting and alignment on any project changes.
Specific responsibilities
- manage administrative processes across multiple projects, ensuring timely reporting and compliance
- support PIs by leading operational, administrative, financial, and managerial coordination — freeing them to focus on the science
- liaise with consortium partners and funders' Project Officers on progress reporting
- provide logistical and administrative support for project and consortium meetings
- mitigate project risks for VU by monitoring implementation against funding and consortium agreements
- maximise use of the project budget, working closely with Project Control, Business Control, and department managers
- coordinate support from other domains — Legal, Finance, HR, Ethics, Business Development. You're the spider in the web
Requirements
- academic mindset, ideally from a research-intensive background, with a working knowledge of project management methods (planning, monitoring, communication, coaching)
- strong, coaching-style communicator with a track record of supporting and motivating research professionals
- skilled at coordinating multidisciplinary academic consortia and internal support functions (Legal, Finance, HR, Ethics, Business Development) across departments, faculties, and international partners
- knowledge of Dutch and European research grants, e.g. Horizon Europe pillar 2, NWA-ORC, NWO KIC
- independent, proactive, and adaptable, with the organisational sensitivity to balance researchers' needs with funder requirements
- strong administrative skills — prioritising multiple deadlines and stakeholders, with accurate documentation and adherence to regulations
- knowledge of financial management in academic settings: budgeting, grant compliance, reporting, and audits
- excellent English and Dutch, comfortable in a digital working environment, and willing to travel for project meetings
- PM certification (PRINCE2, PMP) or research management training is a plus
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 1 year.
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the Station Zuid(as). We also offer you:
- a 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension (up to 48 months), depending on funding (in accordance with art. 2.3 sub 7a CAO NU).
- a position as research project manager based on the university ranking system (UFO) of Knowledge Valorisation Officer 4 for a minimum of 0,9 fte
- a salary of minimum € 3.706 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.760 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
- a maximum of 29 days of annual leave based on full-time employment (38 hours per week)
- possibility of choosing an option from the Flexible Working Hours Scheme, which allows you 41 days of leave for a 40-hour work week
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- space for personal development, including through membership to professional associations such as ARMA-NL and EARMA
Employer
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Additional information
Apply via the application button before 12 November 2026, submitting your CV and motivation letter. A first round interview will be scheduled for late November.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Note: Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Sales enquiries in response to this advertisement are not welcome.
Working at VU Amsterdam
Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.
