Junior Researcher / Lecturer - Digitalization in culture and creative industries

at  Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam

INTRODUCTION

Do you want to contribute to research aiming at applying knowledge to improve the cultural and creative sectors and industries? Are you focused on production and business operations in these sectors? Do you have an interest in data ecosystems and digital transformation? Then we might be looking for you.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Media & Communication Department of ESHCC invites applications for a Research Assistant (0.55 FTE) for an externally funded project focused on collaborative data ecosystems in Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). The role will be combined with a Junior Lecturer position (maximum 0.45 FTE).
The project addresses the underutilization of data in the daily operations of European CCSI, particularly in experience sectors such as live music, festivals, theatre, and museums. These sectors are known for their ability to create value through audience-centric cultural experiences, yet they face significant economic vulnerabilities. The project aims to foster innovation in these sectors by developing, implementing, and evaluating human-centric, data-driven tools and practices that promote sustainable and responsible digital transformation.
As a Junior Researcher, you will provide essential support to the core research team, working closely with key project stakeholders, including CCSI companies, research labs, and consultancies. You will also collaborate with researchers from the Erasmus School of History, Culture, and Communication, and the Erasmus School of Law.
As a Junior Lecturer, you will be performing junior teaching tasks in the degree programmes in the field of Media and Communication provided by ESHCC, primarily through tutorial group teaching in the International Bachelor of Communication and Media (IBCoM) and the premaster in Media and Creative Industries.
This position is designed to offer practical research experience and is ideal for someone looking to gain both hands-on involvement in an interdisciplinary research project on CCSI and teaching experience.

Research and organizational duties (0.55 FTE):

• Assist in gathering and organizing data related to the project’s focus, ensuring accurate and timely execution;
• Support the research team in conducting literature reviews and synthesizing findings from various sources to inform ongoing research;
• Collaborate with consortium partners and pilot organizations to facilitate the collection of case studies, interviews, and other qualitative (and quantitative) data;
• Participate in the qualitative analysis of collaborative data practices;
• Assist in preparing preliminary reports, summaries, and presentations for internal use and external stakeholders;
• Contribute to the organization and execution of workshops, seminars, and other project-related events;
• Provide administrative and logistical support for project activities, including scheduling meetings, managing communications, etc.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Communication Science, Digital Humanities, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related discipline;
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods, willingness to develop your quantitative research methods and data analysis skills;
• Existing experience with data management and analysis tools relevant to research projects is considered an advantage;
• Interest in the cultural and creative sectors and their digital transformations;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• Didactic potential. Teaching experience is considered an advantage;
• A willingness to develop knowledge and skills in various disciplines;
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English. Non-English speakers have to meet the C1-standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

TEACHING DUTIES (MAX. 0.45 FTE):

• Preparing and teaching courses within the context of the various undergraduate programmes in the field of Media and Communication provided by the ESHCC;
• Assessing and coaching students.

Research and organizational duties (0.55 FTE):

• Assist in gathering and organizing data related to the project’s focus, ensuring accurate and timely execution;
• Support the research team in conducting literature reviews and synthesizing findings from various sources to inform ongoing research;
• Collaborate with consortium partners and pilot organizations to facilitate the collection of case studies, interviews, and other qualitative (and quantitative) data;
• Participate in the qualitative analysis of collaborative data practices;
• Assist in preparing preliminary reports, summaries, and presentations for internal use and external stakeholders;
• Contribute to the organization and execution of workshops, seminars, and other project-related events;
• Provide administrative and logistical support for project activities, including scheduling meetings, managing communications, etc