Working at NIAS

As the Netherlands’ premier independent institute for advanced study, NIAS was founded in 1970 in Wassenaar and is now located in the academic heart of Amsterdam. It was the first institute of its kind in continental Europe and the third worldwide, following Princeton and Stanford in the United States. NIAS is part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

From time to time, we open exciting opportunities to join our team and contribute to this unique environment.

Job Postings

• NIAS is looking for a collegiate Curriculum Officer

Stay tuned for future vacancies. Sign up for the NIAS newsletter to be the first to hear about them.

Volunteering at NIAS is a chance to support our vibrant research community, gain experience in a leading institute, and engage with scholars across disciplines.

Now open:

There are currently no volunteer opportunities available.

What we offer?

• A meaningful role in a leading scientific institute.

• An inclusive environment that values diversity and intellectual pluralism.

• Integration into a friendly and dynamic team of colleagues.

• The opportunity to practice Dutch, if desired.

• A volunteer allowance, in line with legal possibilities.

Offering internships is one of the ways in which NIAS fulfils its societal and academic responsibilities.

NIAS invites students enrolled at a university or at an institution of higher or intermediate vocational education (HBO and MBO) to apply. We welcome interns to work at NIAS either as part of a course within their curriculum (“stage”) or in preparation for the completion of their studies (“afstudeerstage”).

Secondary and primary school students are also welcome to request participation in a one-day or one-week work experience placement (“snuffelstage”). We value the perspectives of all students on our work and practices, as well as their ideas for improvement and innovation.

Please send your CV and a motivation letter to Amber Schouwvlieger, HR Officer, via Personeelszaken@bb.huc.knaw.nl.

Internships are formalised in a contract between the intern, their school or university, and NIAS. This contract sets out the aims, expectations, and responsibilities of all parties, including supervision by a designated NIAS staff member.

Internships are offered for a maximum of four days per week, in line with the work–life balance maintained for all NIAS staff. While interns from primary and secondary schools are not compensated, students from MBO, HBO, or university institutions receive the following monthly stipends:

• 1 day per week: €125

• 2 days per week: €250

• 3 days per week: €375

• 4 days per week: €500

If an intern can demonstrate that they are unable to use, or do not possess, a student public transport card, NIAS will reimburse commuting costs, provided these are incurred using second-class public transport. In such cases, NIAS may also reduce the required number of days working on site.

In addition to formal internships linked to education, NIAS also offers work experience placements (“werkervaringsplaatsen”). These are arranged between NIAS and the participant, or jointly with a Dutch governmental or social institution. Such placements are unpaid, although commuting costs are reimbursed as standard.

An internship runs for a minimum of three months (with the exception of a “snuffelstage”). NIAS requires at least four weeks between the signing of a contract and the start date to allow sufficient time for administrative arrangements. Contract templates are provided by the NIAS back office.