Postdoc Position: ScaleUA

1. Introduction

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.

2. Job description

Radboud University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on ScaleUA, a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action focused on rebuilding and integrating Ukraine’s technology infrastructure into the European innovation ecosystem. ScaleUA involves innovation systems analysis, infrastructure mapping, governance design and investment prioritisation across three strategic sectors: energy, digital technologies and health.

The project is coordinated by Radboud University and implemented by an international consortium of academic, policy and industry partners from Ukraine and across Europe. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in the operation of the project and will be embedded in an international, policy-facing research environment at the interface 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 and pilots).
• Contribute to academic publications based on the project’s work. 

3. Profile

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 a nearly completed PhD) in strategy, economics, innovation studies, political economy, public policy or a closely related field. 
• Demonstrated experience with research on innovation systems, infrastructure, governance, or industrial policy.
• Strong qualitative and/or mixed-method research skills.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce both academic and policy-facing outputs.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and coordinate with international partners.
• An interest in applied research at the intersection of academia, policy and societal impact.
• Experience with EU-funded projects, policy-oriented research or work in post-crisis or transitional contexts is an advantage but not required.
• Ukrainian and/or Russian language skills would be a plus.

4. We are

You will be based at the Strategy Section within the Department of Business Administration at the Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University. The department conducts high-quality research in strategy, innovation and governance, with strong links to policy and practice.

Radboud University offers a stimulating and collaborative research environment with excellent support for international research projects. You will work closely with the project coordinator and interact regularly with leading academic institutions, ministries, industry associations and international organisations involved in Ukraine’s reconstruction and European integration.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 32 months.
• Your salary within salary scale 10.0-10.5 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience.
• The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Killian Mc Carthy. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 2 March. Any second interview will take place on Monday 9 March. You will preferably start your employment in May or June 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.