KWR is looking for a Water Awareness Behavioral Researcher (32-40 hours)

Vacancies Vacancy KWR is looking for a Water Awareness Behavioral Researcher (32-40 hours) Who are we looking for We are seeking a social science researcher who will contribute substantively and methodologically to our research into human behavior and societal structures. Someone who wants to work at the intersection of research and practice on diverse research projects in the fields of water awareness, water governance, drinking water customer behavior, citizen participation, and engagement. In close collaboration with partners in the water chain, you work on topics such as encouraging water-saving choices, risk perception regarding water quality, governance arrangements for water-efficient neighborhoods, and the acceptance of alternative drinking water sources. To this end, you apply your knowledge of behavioral change, influence mechanisms, and administrative and social processes. It is important that you have experience with qualitative and quantitative social scientific research methods, with a specific interest in statistical analyses to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

You are a social science researcher with knowledge of behavioral psychology and social processes, preferably in the water sector, and you can clearly convey that knowledge. You possess strong analytical skills, collaborate well, are customer-oriented, and know how to plan and organize your own work effectively. Furthermore you have: A completed academic education in a social science field, such as behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, or public administration; Knowledge of and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods; The ability to conduct research from an integrated perspective; Excellent Dutch, English, and academic writing skills; Work experience as a researcher, policy officer, or consultant. Our offer to you We attach great importance to personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities for this, such as a good onboarding process and diverse training opportunities tailored to your career with us. A good work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions and is affiliated with the Water Companies Collective Labour Agreement (CAO), including a Flexible Employment Conditions Budget of 15.49%. Additionally, working from home part-time is an option. The team At KWR, the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) knowledge domain investigates how human behavior, societal structures, and cultural dynamics relate to complex water issues. We conduct research into governance processes in the social environment, study citizens’ water behavior, apply a design approach (public design) for the water transition, and develop strategies for transformative changes in the water sector. Using creative methods, we bring the value of water to life in sustainability transitions. Our team consists of twelve social science researchers with diverse backgrounds and experience. We work together towards our goals in an open, collegial, and constructive atmosphere.

Safe and clean drinking water is a great asset. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute in the fields of water quality, the water cycle, and sustainable development. Our researchers work at the intersection of science, business, and society. Their strength lies in translating scientific knowledge into applicable practical solutions for end-users in the Dutch and international water sector. From our almost entirely sustainable building featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, our approximately 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, in and outside Europe. The ten Dutch drinking water companies and the Belgian ‘De Watergroep’ are our shareholders. Are you the water awareness behavioral researcher we are looking for, and do you want to advance water science and work with us towards a sustainable society? Then please send your cover letter and CV by email to [email protected] before August 20, quoting vacancy number 250040. The first round of interviews will take place on September 2. More information For more detailed information about the position, please contact Jos Frijns (Team Leader) at 030 6069 583 or [email protected] . For information about the application procedure, please contact José van Lieshout (Human Resources Advisor) at 030 6069 536 or [email protected] . Recruitment agencies contacting us regarding this vacancy are not appreciated. share share Related Projects Artist in Residence programme The Artist in Residence (AiR) programme at KWR brings together artistic and scientific research practices to develop new perspectives on water-related challenges. By creating space for imagination, reflection and experimentation, it contributes to alternative forms of knowledge production and transformative learning…

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Mixture Toxicity Assessment: Advanced Approaches for Drinking Water Quality This project addresses the growing concern over the health effects of chemical mixtures, which can differ significantly from the effects of individual chemicals. The challenge is exacerbated by… about Mixture Toxicity Assessment: Advanced Approaches for Drinking Water Quality Safeguarding drinking water treatment processes with indigenous viruses Sources for the production of drinking water are increasingly under pressure, partly due to urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change. As a result, alternative sources are being used more…

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Role Performance and Stakeholder Strategies A utility that does not behave as expected may create unclear situations or even lose credibility. It is therefore essential to examine how role performance is shaped in stakeholder processes and which…

CIRSEAU – Building a water-smart economy and society In a water-smart society, all available water resources—including surface water, groundwater, wastewater, and process water—are managed to prevent water scarcity and pollution, increase resilience to climate change, mitigate… about CIRSEAU – Building a water-smart economy and society WATERVERSE Data spaces are protected environments where participants can access, process and use data, amongst other things. With a focus on water data spaces, the EU-funded Waterverse project aims to develop a water data management ecosystem that will…

NATALIE NATALIE addresses the risks posed by climate change and its impacts and proposes to advance the concepts of “ecosystem-based adaptation” in Europe combined with climate resilient development pathways. With the means for impact driven Nature-Based Solutions (NBS),…

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Flexibility in water This project addresses the question of how, and in which conditions, water utilities can use the flexibility in the management of their assets to be better placed in a changing energy system. That is important for several…

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The effects on biological stability and later growth of mixing treated water from alternative sources and conventionally produced drinking water This project will determine the effect of mixing drinking water extracted from new sources (groundwater and surface water) with drinking water from conventional treatment on the biological stability… about The effects on biological stability and later growth of mixing treated water from alternative sources and conventionally produced drinking water Sewage surveillance of drug use Drug use is a recognised societal problem. It is damaging to public health and has negative (undermining) consequences for public security and the environment. An effective drug policy needs to be founded on reliable drug-use and -dealing…

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Customer Perspectives and Behavioural Research In the transition to a more water-aware society, it is essential to listen to and fully understand drinking water customers. How do these customers view drinking water and water conservation? What do…

Social Environment and Area Planning Processes We live in a time of transitions and changes, both in organisations and in the physical environment. We have ambitions in the area of climate adaptation, the water transition, the energy transition…

Futures Studies and Strategy Development For the timely recognition of threats and opportunities, and, as a society, to react to them effectively, we need to explore the future. Within Public Design for Water, the Futures Studies and…

Water-kennis: an immersive media experience Turn on your tap, shower or flush your toilet, and clean water flows out. But where does this water come from? The availability of enough clean water has become an issue for… about Water-kennis: an immersive media experience Monitoring nutrient measures In many areas of the Netherlands the surface-water quality still does not meet the WFD targets. In the present project two catchment areas in the provinces of North Brabant and Flevoland are being intensively monitored for nutrients,…

Customer Perspectives 2.0 In the Joint Research Programme (BTO) Customer theme group, four customer perspectives were developed which provide insight into the diversity of drinking water customers, with their different expectations, desires, concerns and needs. In 2018, the distribution and… about Customer Perspectives 2.0 Can’t escape the WaterScape: transforming water and governance systems for dealing with climate impacts in the Dutch Delta With projected increase in floods and drought it is apparent that the Dutch water system needs to change. In WaterScape we explore large-scale spatial transitions in the physical… about Can’t escape the WaterScape: transforming water and governance systems for dealing with climate impacts in the Dutch Delta AMVD Reference Document revision Dutch drinking water utilities need to demonstrate that drinking water is safe and does not spread any infectious diseases. To this end, they establish for each drinking water treatment process an Analysis of Microbial Safety of Drinking…

Socio-technological legitimisation of water-related reuse Institutional trust and legal and regulatory frameworks can contribute to the socio-technological legitimisation of new technologies for water-related reuse. In this study, twelve legitimisation strategies were identified (see… about Socio-technological legitimisation of water-related reuse BTO/WiCE 2024-2029: current and urgent The Onderzoeksvisie Gezamenlijk Wateronderzoek voor 2024-2029 voor BTO/WiCE (BTO/WiCE Research Vision of the Collective Water Research for 2024-2029) presents a varied and current programme with innovation, valuable knowledge development and a focus… about BTO/WiCE 2024-2029: current and urgent Accelerate Energy Transition with Aquathermia 2.0 In its National Climate Agreement, the Dutch government has made commitments to reducing the emission of CO2. One of the sectors referred to in the agreement is the built environment. Heat demand… about Accelerate Energy Transition with Aquathermia 2.0 Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens In this study we investigate how the increase in the temperature of drinking water influences the growth of particular pathogens, known as opportunistic pathogens, in the drinking water…

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ProVe IT-LT: Proven Safe and Innovative Hot Tap Water at Low Temperature A low temperature (LT; 50 °C) in heating networks offers various advantages, such as reduced heat loss during heat distribution. Moreover, a low supply temperature is also increasingly… about ProVe IT-LT: Proven Safe and Innovative Hot Tap Water at Low Temperature Longitudinal customer research Longitudinal customer research can help drinking water utilities better tailor their services to their customers. To enable the best possible design of these studies, an ‘ideal’ questionnaire has been developed, as a part of a larger whole.…

The customer as tourist For the drinking water utilities customers are not only drinking water consumers. As tourists they also use the nature areas that these organisations manage. What is the perception of the customer as tourists? And to what extent…

The role of sludge in infiltration ponds in OMP removal during dune infiltration Drinking water utilities that use dune infiltration or riverbank filtration employ infiltration ponds with a sludge layer. This project investigates the role played by the thickness and conditions… about The role of sludge in infiltration ponds in OMP removal during dune infiltration ANCHOR: broad knowledge development about urban water reuse In this project, we will study the application of water reuse in the built environment from technical, societal, governance and economic perspectives. The goal is to establish a… about ANCHOR: broad knowledge development about urban water reuse Biological treatment of RO concentrate Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment technique that involves the use of semi-permeable membranes to remove unwanted molecules and particles. It is an effective way of extracting a wide variety of…

Risk of L. pneumophila with heating networks In this project, a qualitative microbiological risk analysis is being conducted to determine the effect of using heating networks for domestic connections on the number of patients with L. pneumophila. In addition, we… about Risk of L. pneumophila with heating networks VIPNL: Wetland crops on water-rich peat This project is investigating how wetland agriculture on water-rich peat can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land subsidence, and deliver improvements in water quality and biodiversity. The focus is on… about VIPNL: Wetland crops on water-rich peat TUBES as a controlled test environment for low-threshold pilot projects In this project, we are investigating the possibilities and limitations of distributed-optical-fibre detection techniques in a controlled test environment. This projectis being organised in a broad alliance of… about TUBES as a controlled test environment for low-threshold pilot projects Lead from brass components – phase III This project examines the Dutch drinking water sector’s sampling protocol to control lead concentrations at the tap. With a tightening of the lead standard, the performance of this protocol needs to be… about Lead from brass components – phase III Insight into connecting pipes There is still not enough attention being paid to connecting pipes in the transport and distribution network of the Dutch water utilities and De Watergroep in Flanders. Our understanding of the condition, failure probability and residual lifespan…

Impact of internal factors on malfunctions Can malfunctions and/or repair work and pump operations lead to new malfunctions in the mains? This project will investigate this question by determining whether there is a statistical relationship between these factors…

Quantitative added value of digital water meters and other sensors at customer locations What are the benefits for the distribution process of different versions of smart water meters and the additional sensors? In this project, quantitative descriptions and model studies will… about Quantitative added value of digital water meters and other sensors at customer locations Improving the reliability and practicality of an AI-based tool for data validation and correction Water companies are increasingly using sensor data for advanced process monitoring and control for key variables. They are therefore increasingly reliant on high-quality data. In this project, the… about Improving the reliability and practicality of an AI-based tool for data validation and correction Reduction of pressure on groundwater through reuse of water from dairy plants in agriculture Groundwater in the Netherlands is under pressure, both in terms of quantity and quality. Groundwater is used in several activities, including drinking water production, agriculture and industry. In… about Reduction of pressure on groundwater through reuse of water from dairy plants in agriculture Digital water – building a conceptual cost-benefit framework based on the experiences of frontrunners Several water companies at home and abroad have taken far-reaching steps in digitising their operations. In this project, we deepen our understanding of the drivers of frontrunners for… about Digital water – building a conceptual cost-benefit framework based on the experiences of frontrunners Evaluation of Aeromonas legal standard Since the 1980s Aeromonas in drinking water has been included as a microbiological parameter in the Dutch Drinking Water Decree. Currently, Aeromonas standard exceedances are generally tolerated, partly because it is unclear…

All projects ( ) Collaboration UPPWATER Waterwijs – Exploratory Research Academic Collaborative Centre for Healthy and Safe Water EU Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Water in the Circular Economy (WiCE) World Health Organization (WHO) Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) Water Europe Aqua Research Collaboration (ARC) Universities Allied Waters Watershare TKI Water Technology European research Waterwijs Dune water company joint research (DPWE) All collaborations ( ) Subjects Wetland cultivation Rewetting peatlands is a necessary measure to reduce land subsidence and CO2 emissions and to…

Tools to measure circularity Sustainability and circularity are societal objectives – but what is sustainable and how do you…

Reuse What we used to see as a waste stream, we now consider a residual stream…

Smart water solutions De watersector staat voor grote uitdagingen op het gebied van waterkwantiteit en -kwaliteit. Waterbedrijven en…

Digital transformation journeys The big challenge faced by water utilities and the water sector in a digital transformation…

Regional freshwater supply in collaboration The competition for water requires coordinated decisions at the regional level. How much water can…

Sewage research Sewage water holds a mirror up to society: it contains all sorts of chemical and…

Reducing emissions or negative impact An ideal circular system has no emissions and no negative impact on our living environment…

Nature inclusive water resources management Climate change and a rising demand for water are placing the supply of water for…

Groundwater of good quality Thanks to its predominantly good and stable quality, groundwater is one of the most important…

Using microbes for better water quality Most microorganisms present no risks to humans and nature. Some can actually help us reduce…

Circular systems In a circular economy, materials, energy and water are recycled and reused. The realisation of…

Alternative resources and water reuse One way of being careful about the current freshwater resources – especially groundwater – is…

Urban ecohydrology Climate change and urban densification are exerting growing pressure on the quality of life and…

Risks of microbial pathogens and contaminants In order to provide sufficient protection for humans and nature, we need to know what…

Integrated water and energy systems The Dutch energy system must become clean and future-proof, but also remain reliable and affordable.…

Restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity In the Netherlands, 90% of the habitat types have a poor or bad conservation status.…

To measure is to know KWR develops methods for the whole water cycle to measure, identify, quantify and monitor microorganisms…

Innovative water distribution Water distribution systems ensure the transport of drinking water and other water to users. A…

System knowledge about the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus Land, food, energy, water and ecosystems are linked together in the so-called WEFE (water-energy-food-ecosystem) nexus, and… about System knowledge about the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus Sustainable heating and cooling About half of the energy consumed in the Netherlands is used for heating, so we…

Innovative water treatment The treatment of drinking water and of wastewater are today carried out mostly independently of…

Impact of the energy transition on water utilities The energy transition impacts the operational management, role and assets of drinking water utilities in…

Customer perspective and behavioural research In the transition to a more water-aware society, it is essential to listen to and…

Futures studies and strategy development For the timely recognition of threats and opportunities, and, as a society, to react to…

Sufficient water The freshwater supply in the Netherlands is under pressure. We cannot count on having sufficient…

Social environment and area planning processes We live in a time of transitions and changes, both in organisations and in the…

Water resource loop closure KWR maps out the possibilities and opportunities available for closing the water cycle, locally or…

Biological activity Growth of microorganisms in (drinking) water can present risks to public health and lead to…

Health Emerging contaminants Emerging contaminants are a possible threat to the public health and environment. KWR develops smarter,…

Health Microbial safety Water safety is vital. Citizens must be able to drink and swim in safe water,…

Health Safe innovation and the water sector Technological innovations can involve risks to (drinking) water and public health. Greater public awareness, and…

Sustainability Sustainable use of freshwater resources Access to sufficient and clean freshwater is not a given. Globally, the water sector is…

Sustainability Climate change and resilience The water sector needs practice-oriented research to help it confront the wide-ranging consequences of climate…

Sustainability Sustainable energy There is a worldwide drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift to cleaner, more…

Sustainability Sustainable resources The circular economy is the alternative to the current – essentially linear – economy. While…

Society Stakeholder involvement and governance Stakeholder engagement is an effective means of connecting technical and social-governance issues. KWR has a…

Society Citizen science and public participation Increased citizen engagement is confronting the water sector with steadily growing demands. A connection needs…

Society Valorisation Given the urgency of current water challenges, public authorities, utilities and industry feel a strong…

Looking ahead Futures studies and response strategies Futures research improves the resilience of the water sector by supporting anticipatory governance and by…

Enabling technologies Hydrogenomics Genomic techniques are developing at a very rapid pace in health, life, forensic and environmental…

Enabling technologies Hydroinformatics Hydroinformatics is the application of information technology in its broadest sense on water-cycle related issues,…

Enabling technologies Innovative water treatment technologies Drinking water treatment is subject to many demands and, today, the challenges it faces are…

Enabling technologies Future-proof networks Even if the Netherlands has a superbly functioning drinking water network, parts of it are… about Future-proof networks Enabling technologies New materials and technologies Detecting and removing emerging contaminants calls for advanced materials and technologies. KWR develops knowledge about…

All subjects ( ) Tools ESTAR about ESTAR HomeWaterLab about HomeWaterLab TUBES about TUBES REWAB about REWAB AquaPriori about AquaPriori EDWARD about EDWARD HydroMonitor about HydroMonitor Governance Capacity Analysis about Governance Capacity Analysis Contamination Source Toolkit about Contamination Source Toolkit WaterVision Nature about WaterVision Nature Comsima about Comsima Gondwana about Gondwana USTORE about USTORE SIMDEUM about SIMDEUM Self-Cleaning Networks about Self-Cleaning Networks Network Flow Performance about Network Flow Performance Mains Investment Planning about Mains Investment Planning Water-Use Info about Water-Use Info OptiValves about OptiValves City Blueprint about City Blueprint Clean Membrane about Clean Membrane All tools & products ( ) News Blog IWA Micropol 2026 in Toronto 10 June 2026 — From May 31st to June 4th, 2026, experts from all over the world gathered in Toronto for the,… about IWA Micropol 2026 in Toronto News Janine de Wit’s PhD research contributes to solutions for freshwater availability 08 June 2026 — On 29 May, KWR researcher Janine de Wit obtained her PhD at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) for… about Janine de Wit’s PhD research contributes to solutions for freshwater availability Blog Wasser 2026 Conference in Kiel 03 June 2026 — From May 11–13, 2026, experts from mainly Germany gathered in Kiel for Wasser 2026, the 92nd Annual Meeting… about Wasser 2026 Conference in Kiel News Lab Public Design for Water is working to transform water management practices 02 June 2026 — Through the Public Design for Water Lab, KWR is committed to transforming water practices for and by the… about Lab Public Design for Water is working to transform water management practices News Art and science working together: a new view of the water transition 18 May 2026 — For more than six months, artist Mariko Hori immersed herself in the world of the researchers at KWR.… about Art and science working together: a new view of the water transition News A broad view of PFAS 13 May 2026 — On the basis of multidisciplinary research and a broad view, KWR contributes to solutions for PFAS issues in… about A broad view of PFAS Blog Bringing people together in the age of AI 12 May 2026 — At EGU26, advances in AI, modelling, uncertainty, and digital platforms highlighted a shift in the role of researchers.… about Bringing people together in the age of AI Blog Nontarget2026 conference 07 May 2026 — Last April, 110 scientists and practitioners in the field of non-target screening met to discuss developments in this technique to monitor unknown compounds in environmental matrices. Situated… about Nontarget2026 conference Blog Water Stories 29 April 2026 — Water lives in memories, emotions and the imagination: a summer evening by a lake, the power of the… about Water Stories News The new hexamonitor, for drinking water that is biologically even safer 22 April 2026 — The new hexamonitor is up and running in Waternet’s test hall at the Weesperkarspel production site. This test… about The new hexamonitor, for drinking water that is biologically even safer News Wim van Vierssen receives 2025 Honorary Fellowship 17 April 2026 — On 16 April, Wim van Vierssen accepted the KWR Honorary Fellowship 2025 in the eloquent KWR building that… about Wim van Vierssen receives 2025 Honorary Fellowship Blog KWR at NWO NAC 2026 16 April 2026 — On Thursday 9 and Friday 10 April, KWR was present at NWO NAC, the Dutch congress for all… about KWR at NWO NAC 2026 News HPLC-UV-screening: vroegsignaleren organische microverontreiniging in Rijn en Maas 13 April 2026 — Al vijftien jaar fungeert een early warning-systeem als poortwachter voor stoffen die ons land via de Rijn en… about HPLC-UV-screening: vroegsignaleren organische microverontreiniging in Rijn en Maas News 2025 Annual Review: strategic steps for a future-resilient water sector 13 April 2026 — For water, 2025 was a year of significant strategic developments, both at KWR and beyond. The 2025 Annual… about 2025 Annual Review: strategic steps for a future-resilient water sector News Paul van der Wielen appointed professor by special appointment of Microbial Ecology of Water Systems 10 April 2026 — Paul van der Wielen, principal microbiologist at KWR, has been appointed professor by special appointment of Microbial Ecology… about Paul van der Wielen appointed professor by special appointment of Microbial Ecology of Water Systems News 2025 Willem Koerselman Prize goes to co-author Frederic Béen 08 April 2026 — On 7 April, Frederic Béen received the 2025 Willem Koerselman Prize for the scientific publication ‘NORMAN guidance on… about 2025 Willem Koerselman Prize goes to co-author Frederic Béen News KWR and Rijkswaterstaat launch large-scale innovative monitoring project 01 April 2026 — KWR and Rijkswaterstaat will be starting a new monitoring project at twenty Dutch wastewater treatment plants in 2026.… about KWR and Rijkswaterstaat launch large-scale innovative monitoring project Blog AquaNL day 3: Water quality, water reuse, and chance encounters 27 March 2026 — The third day of AquaNL was devoted to water quality, water reuse and the question of how we… about AquaNL day 3: Water quality, water reuse, and chance encounters All news items ( ) Publications 2025 Wondermiddel tegen bloedluis? 2026 Effect of increasing conceptual model detail on simulated crop yield-drainage base relations. 2026 Duurzame basenrijkdom in natte schraallanden: van proces naar praktijk 2026 Inside the Netherlands’ Water Monitoring Success Story - Interview Bäuerlein, P.S. 2026 The water-energy-food nexus, its relationship with ecosystems, and its role in supporting society 2026 Flood risk to population in Italy: a synoptic overview based on fatality data 2026 Een routekaart voor AI in de drinkwatersector 2026 Paddenstoelen geven duingraslanden kleur All publications