Director of Research & Development (R&D)

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is taking a crucial next step in the professionalisation of its Research & Development (R&D) function. R&D at BUas contributes to a better understanding of, and solutions for, the problems we face in society. We strive for dynamic synergy between R&D, education and society. We consider R&D and education to be equally important and mutually reinforcing functions that, when combined, contribute to the innovative capacity of companies and organisations. In this process, our focus is on demonstrating social awareness in action and contributing to a better world.

BUas focuses its R&D on five core themes: three cross-domain themes and two transversal themes. In the coming years, we want to link all themes even more closely to the professional field and to the content of our degree programmes. (More information can be found on our website).

As Director of R&D (1 FTE), you will have the unique opportunity to implement a forward-thinking R&D structure that recognises the mutual reinforcement of education and research, rather than positioning the two as separate silos or competing priorities. In this new position, you will oversee the transformation to an R&D model that allows education, research, business and public institutions to support and reinforce each other in the best possible way. All this is based on the ambition to create significant added value for our students, industry and society.

As Director of R&D, you will become a member of the extended Executive Board, which also includes the academy directors, service directors and core Executive Board (College van Bestuur). You will report directly to the Executive Board (CvB) and will be given scope for ownership and innovation within a professional, agile organisation. You will work alongside passionate colleagues in a knowledge-driven, international environment offering extensive networking opportunities. As Director of R&D, you will operate in a matrix organisation, collaborating with professors, academies and services on strategic decisions and operational implementation. This integrated approach ensures that education and research reinforce each other optimally, with both receiving ample support.

As Director of R&D, your activities will focus on: 

• Strategic R&D development 
  You will lead and guide the development and implementation of a focused, BUas-wide R&D agenda and promote the development of dynamic R&D agendas on the five core themes. In addition, you will support the academies in developing domain-specific knowledge agendas with a special focus on the relationship between education and R&D. You will also translate the BUas R&D agenda into concrete strategies and annual plans. You will promote collaboration – nationally and internationally – if it fits within our focus. Both per core theme and across themes and academies, you will monitor the strategic positioning of R&D within education, the professional field and the societal context.
• Leadership
  In this position, you will lead all professors (lectoren), overseeing their performance management and professional development. Given their contributions to education and domain-specific knowledge agendas, you will do this in close collaboration with academy directors. Together, you will coordinate staffing across both education and R&D, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the organisation. Additionally, at the request of the Executive Board (CvB), you will be responsible for the appointment policy and recruitment procedures of professors, again in close cooperation with the academy directors.
• Financial management
  You will strengthen the financial management of our R&D activities and ensure a balanced development of the primary, secondary and tertiary sources of funding. To this end, you will develop clear frameworks for the use of internal resources and co-financing, and coordinate external funding applications and grant acquisition in order to realise our R&D ambitions.
• External positioning & partnerships / networking function 
  For BUas, building and expanding strategic partnerships is essential – with industry partners, government bodies (including the EU), civil society organisations, and alumni. You will maintain a visible presence in these networks and actively encourage other directors and professors to strengthen their positions within them. You will also promote knowledge dissemination through various channels in order to increase the visibility and impact of our research, and you will represent BUas in relevant national and international R&D networks.
• Support
  You will ensure adequate support to the professors and monitor the quality of R&D support, making agreements with the relevant service directors on the optimal deployment of the support team and the available support functions.
• KPI development & monitoring
  You will lead and guide the definition of R&D success for BUas by developing relevant performance indicators that align with our integrated vision of education and research. 

BUas strives to create a stimulating learning and working environment for students and staff, enabling them to integrate knowledge and skills, develop their talents to the fullest, and apply them in a professional and responsible manner in society. More information about BUas and our research projects can be found at www.buas.nl/en/research // https://www.buas.nl/onderzoek.

As Director of R&D and member of the extended Executive Board, you will take on a challenging pioneering role with responsibility for a growing and impactful R&D function. You will have the freedom to realise your vision for the integration of education and research, and a unique opportunity to further develop the R&D function of an ambitious, international university of applied sciences.

• The salary is commensurate with the content of the duties and responsibilities, based on the cao-hbo (collective labour agreement);
• Upon appointment, you will be given a four-year employment contract. After three years, a performance interview (Go-NoGo moment) will be conducted with the option of renewal of the contract for the next four years;
• Your commuting expenses will be fully reimbursed when you travel by public transport; 
• You will receive a contribution towards your health insurance costs; 
• You will receive an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% in December and an annual holiday allowance of 8% in May; 
• You will also be awarded professional development hours every year and almost 11 weeks of holiday entitlements in a full-time position; 
• You have the option to work partly from home, which can help improve your work-life balance; 
• You will build an attractive pension through the ABP pension fund; 
• Working at BUas means always striving for ‘the plus’. BUas aims to be more than just a university of applied sciences, continuously focusing on development and creating meaningful experiences; 
• You will be working at a top-ranked university of applied sciences on a green, sustainable campus near the city centre of Breda; 
• You will be working in an attractive and friendly working environment together with enthusiastic colleagues from the industry and students from around the world. 
• Moving from abroad to Breda in the Netherlands? We provide support and financial compensation for relocation and settling in the Netherlands. Dutch tax authorities may offer tax reductions to applicants from abroad, making tax rates comparable to those in the UK and US. 

• You have at least a PhD in a relevant field;  
• You are a respected researcher with a strong track record in (applied) research, preferably in areas relevant to BUas; 
• Governance experience within a research university, university of applied sciences, or knowledge institute is an advantage;  
• You demonstrate strong connecting and inspiring leadership qualities. You have experience in leading interdisciplinary teams, are able to guide autonomous professionals through complex organisational changes, and do so through a facilitative, coaching style of leadership;
• You have a proven track record in R&D leadership with experience in developing and delivering long-term visions, building partnerships and securing external funding;
• You take an entrepreneurial and results-oriented approach, using your analytical skills to translate organisational objectives into concrete, achievable action plans that are delivered on time and within budget; 
• You will need excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English to work in our international organisation. You will also need to demonstrate the growth mindset encouraged by BUas as a learning organisation.

For this strategic position, we are looking for a candidate who not only brings the right experience and competencies, but also fits in with the culture and ambitions of BUas. We invite candidates who identify with our vision of integrating education and research, and who are energised by shaping the future of applied research in higher education.

We would like to receive your application through the online application form before 31 October 2025. Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact Wilma Franchimon, interim director of AI, Games & Media ([email protected]).
For questions about the application process, please contact recruitment at [email protected].

The first interviews will take place on Tuesday 11 November between 09:00 and 15:00. The second interviews will take place on Wednesday 19 November in the morning. We kindly ask you to reserve these dates in your calendar.

You will receive a response to your application within two weeks of the closing date. Being able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is a condition for employment at BUas. We will initiate the application for this after the terms of employment discussion. Where candidates are equally suitable, internal candidates will be given preference.

Breda University of Applied Sciences (hereafter referred to as BUas) is a specialist, small-scale and international university of applied sciences. BUas offers bachelor's and master's degree programmes at both professional and academic levels, with expertise in closely interrelated fields: Tourism, Leisure & Events, Hotel & Facility, Logistics & Built Environment, Media & Creative Business, Games, and Data Science & AI. Our strength lies in the ability to connect these fields.

We aim to create added value in our education and research for our students, and therefore also for business and society. We provide our students with knowledge as well as ‘BUas Skills for Life’, empowering them to thrive in a constantly changing world and contribute to making it a better place. We encourage our employees to lead by example, fostering independence, collaboration and practical research that can be applied in real-world contexts. 

We are curious about the world around us, considerate of each other, and committed to creating a healthy living and working environment for students and staff. This ethos defines how we operate on our campus. Within our inspiring learning community, we encourage each other to optimally develop our talents, combine knowledge and skills, and apply them in society in a sustainable manner.

External recruiters need not inquire.