Volunteer Opportunity – Archives at NIAS

NIAS is part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Each year, we host approximately 50 researchers (‘fellows’) from around the world, providing them with the opportunity to focus on a subject of deep intellectual curiosity, grounded in their expertise. For over 50 years, our institute has fostered an environment in which academic freedom drives crucial insights and supports public inquiry.

NIAS employs around 20 dedicated staff who recruit and select fellows, facilitate their arrival, stay, and research, and communicate our activities and results through a variety of media and events. We are recognised as an international leader in our field.

As a volunteer in our archives, you will:

• Inventory, acquire, and document the outputs of our fellows.

• Work with the NIAS alumni database, the “Written at NIAS” database, and the physical collection.

• Analyse trends in gender and age distribution, disciplinary and interdisciplinary engagement, and geographical coverage of our fellows over time. This analysis extends to both granted fellowships and applicant cohorts.

• Assist in developing policies and strategies to maintain and enhance our collections and databases, including e-publishing and non-written outputs such as works produced by artist-fellows.

You will collaborate closely with the NIAS Curriculum team under the supervision of its Head. You will be provided with a dedicated workspace on the NIAS premises, potentially in the library, and may occasionally assist the librarians.

• Independent, communicative, and collegial team player.

• Experience in searching for publications and other sources in bibliographic databases and online. Familiarity with the humanities and social sciences is advantageous.

• Ability to analyse bibliographical and professional biographical data.

• Proficiency in standard office software; knowledge of WordPress and Procurios is a plus.

• Excellent command of English; understanding spoken and written Dutch is desirable (B1 level).

• Availability for a minimum of two and a maximum of four fixed half-days per week, including at least one morning.

• 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.

If this opportunity interests you, please email personeelszaken@bb.huc.knaw.nl with your motivation, experience, and qualifications. The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. For further information, please contact the Head of Curriculum at Merlijn.Olnon@nias.knaw.nl, who will be happy to assist.