At Statistics Netherlands (CBS) there is an increased awareness that many societal trends emerging from official statistics have many interrelations and must be understood in that complexity context by policy makers. It is crucial that a next generation of public servants has the broad spectrum of skills to navigate a complex world, for which this MSc programme is the best possible preparation.Prof. dr. Frank Pijpers, Senior methodologist at CBS & Professor by special appointment at UvA
With your knowledge of a variety of disciplines and experience of working in interdisciplinary teams you can continue in academia as a researcher or at an applied research institute such as TNO, contributing to tackling urgent societal issues.
Vacancy examples:
Researcher social security at CBS: “You work on statistics in the field of social security, such as social assistance benefits, social assistance claims and reintegration. You analyse data and have an advisory and supporting role. Think of implementing improvements in complex problems in statistics production, in quality improvements and in process improvement."
Senior Scientist circular economy at TNO: “As senior scientist integrator, you provide high-level advice and support towards a sustainable, resilient industry and society, by applying the model framework. For example, on policy making and investments, contributing to a circular economy. You work with and for various clients. Think about government, European commission, but also with companies and universities. You know the challenges customers in industry and government face and how you can help them to take the next step in the transition towards a circular, renewable, CO2 neutral and competitive industry.”
There is a strong need for policy advisors who have the skills and knowledge to translate technical outcomes of modelling and data analysis into policy proposals and interventions. You can imagine going to work at a local or national government or an advisory agency.
Vacancy examples:
Researcher traffic models at Gemeente Amsterdam: “You develop and use strategic traffic models to provide clear answers to complex mobility issues. You support policy departments in making smart, future-proof choices. You provide better insight into mobility flows and help make Amsterdam safer and more accessible.”
Junior researcher on policy scenarios for biodiversity at PBL: “PBL (Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving) is responsible for providing a systematic overview of scenarios, including forecasts and projections related to the European Biodiversity Strategy and the impacts of specific policies for biodiversity. You will contribute to this systematic overview by developing and filling in an easily accessible database in which policy interventions from existing and ongoing scenario studies are related to policy targets and objectives of the European Biodiversity Strategy.”
You can apply your modelling skills as a data analyst who knows how to model complex societal issues and come up with innovative solutions or interventions. You can imagine going to work at a think tank, statistics bureau or government as a data analyst.
Vacancy example:
Reducing health inequalities is a wicked problem. Complex system approaches are needed. To make impact, system thinking should be core in public health policy.Prof. dr. Arnoud Verhoeff, GGD Amsterdam