Junior Researcher Fostering Creativity in Multicultural Classrooms through Educational Robotics ai

Tilburg University | Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

is looking for a

Junior Researcher in Fostering Creativity in Multicultural Classrooms through Educational Robotics and AI

Department: Culture Studies (DCU)

Location: Tilburg

Contract size: 0.6 fte (24 hours per week)

Full-time gross monthly salary: €3706 – €4251

Contract duration: 18 months

Intended start date: January 2027

The Department of Culture Studies at Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University, is seeking a junior researcher for a new Erasmus+ project on fostering creativity in multicultural classrooms through educational robotics and AI. The junior researcher will support the research team in the coordination and implementation of the project.

Are you interested in fostering inclusion in multicultural classrooms? Do you like to explore how AI technologies are used to enhance creativity in classrooms with students from diverse backgrounds? Are you eager to work in an international team and gain project management experience? Then this position suits you well!

Your position

The successful candidate will work on a project funded by Dutch National Agency Erasmus+ Cooperation partnerships in school education. The project includes partners from the Netherlands, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. The project aims to strengthen teachers’ capacity to foster creativity as a core student competence through AI, educational robotics and culturally responsive pedagogy; to develop innovative and technology-enhanced resources; to test and validate these resources in multicultural secondary classrooms; and to promote their adoption through dissemination and policy recommendations at regional, national and EU levels.

You will be responsible for assisting the project team at DCU for 18 months in the following activities:

1. Conducting Research: tasks include conducting research and analyzing existing educational resources, consulting experts in the field, and supporting the development of skillsets and training materials for teachers.
2. Supporting Dissemination: tasks include assisting the Project Coordinator in organizing an international seminar in the Netherlands, and delivering training sessions for participant teachers.
3. Supporting Project Management: tasks include assisting the Project Coordinator with project management activities, such as recording the timely implementation of the project activities by all partners, maintaining an organized archive of project-communication and administrative documents.

Role focus: Your primary responsibility will be to conduct and support research activities. Dissemination, project management, and general administrative responsibilities will remain with the Project Coordinator, with your role being to provide support and assistance in these areas as needed.

Your profile

1. Motivated researcher with a master’s degree in Culture Studies, Educational Sciences, Communication Sciences or a related field
2. Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research, evidenced by relevant outputs such as theses, research projects and publications
3. Interest in and willingness to develop project management skills, including supporting the planning and coordination of project activities and project meetings
4. A collaborative team player, who enjoys working in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment
5. Commitment to research integrity and ethical research practices, including accuracy, transparency and responsible handling of research data and information
6. Excellent command of English (minimum CEFR C1 level; C2 level preferred). Proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.

Our offer

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• Employment of 0.6 fte (24 hours per week).
• Salary between €3706 and €4251 gross per month for full-time employment (UFO-profile Researcher 4, salary scale 10 step 0 till step 3). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience.
• This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 sub b CLA DU. You will be given a temporary contract for the duration of 18 months.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.
• Hybrid working with home working allowance
• Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.
• Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training.
• Moving allowance (subject to conditions).
• 30% rule for international employees (if applicable).
• Pension through ABP.
• Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses.
• Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities.
• A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Dr. Irem Bezcioğlu-Göktolga at i.bezcioglu@tilburguniversity.edu For more information about the department, you may reach out to Head of the Department of Culture Studies, prof. Odile Heynders (O.M.Heynders@tilburguniversity.edu).

Want to apply?

We kindly invite you to apply by20 October 2026; this can only be done online. Please include the following documents in your application:

1. A one-page cover letter explaining how you meet the selection criteria for this position, drawing on examples from your academic, professional and/or personal experiences
2. A curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Contact details oftwo references

The letter selection will take place by November 1, 2026. You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. The first selection interviews will take place on 10 November 2026.

The selection committee consists of:

1. dr. Irem Bezcioğlu-Göktolga
2. Prof dr. Kutlay Yağmur
3. dr. Rian Aarts
4. dr. Amy Hsiao

You will ideally start working for Tilburg University in January 2027.

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization

Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University.

Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous.

About the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD)

Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) focuses on humans, technology, culture, and their interactions in a globalizing digital society. From the interplay of our disciplines, our research and education focuses on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, their influence on communication, culture and society, and moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of six Departments: Communication and Cognition, Computational Cognitive Science, Intelligent Systems, Culture Studies, Philosophy, and the Tilburg Center of the Learning Sciences. Collaboration across disciplines is encouraged among both researchers and students. With this approach, we nurture a way of thinking that takes into account different perspectives and the diverse, sometimes conflicting needs and interests of people and society. At TSHD, we foster a culture of integrity, trust, diversity and inclusion, and constructive and critical dialogue. All members of our community are recognized and valued for their unique contributions.

University College Tilburg, with its interdisciplinary Liberal Articles and Sciences program, holds a unique position within the School. This collaboration with other Schools also includes the disciplines of economics, law, and the social sciences. Read more about the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD).

About the Department of Culture Studies

The Department of Culture Studies (DCU) is a part of Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD). DCU researchers study culture, communication, and art in globalizing and digitalizing societies through a range of interdisciplinary approaches. DCU research studies the impact of digital technologies on contemporary socio-cultural life in all domains of society, and it aims to understand various new heritage activities, strategies, and phenomena in the public sphere.

Recruitment code

Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP).

Disclaimer

The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.