Principal Consultant in Science, Technology & Innovation Policy

Ready to use your expertise to shape the future of science, technology and innovation policy across Europe? At Technopolis, you work on complex policy challenges at Dutch, European and international level. You lead studies, evaluations and advisory projects for policymakers and public organisations, turning solid research and analysis into insights that help shape policy and decision-making. As a Principal Consultant, you combine substantive expertise with project leadership, client advice and business development.

You lead complex projects, build client relationships, identify new opportunities and develop proposals. From our Amsterdam office, you work with an experienced international team where expertise, collaboration and entrepreneurship come together.

You take overall responsibility for complex studies, evaluations and advisory projects at the intersection of science, technology, innovation and public policy. You develop robust approaches using qualitative and quantitative research methods and are responsible for quality, planning, budgets, deliverables and client communication. Alongside delivering projects, you advise clients, build relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders and contribute to business development. You also share your expertise across our international offices and guide less experienced consultants in their project work and professional development.

A few examples of our work Recent projects include the evaluation of the Digital Europe Programme, the impact assessment of FP10, a study on equal opportunities for researchers across Europe and benchmarking the technology position of European Member States.

Are you the person we are looking for? You are an experienced consultant or policy researcher who combines strong analytical expertise with project leadership, client advice and business development. You know your field, understand the European policy landscape and enjoy using your expertise not only to deliver excellent work, but also to develop new opportunities.

• A relevant university degree and 7–10 years of experience in science, technology and innovation policy, policy research, policy advice, policy evaluation, public governance or related fields. Affinity with policy regarding entrepreneurship and/or private sector development is a plus.
• A proven track record in leading studies, advisory and/or evaluation projects, preferably in an international or European context.
• A relevant network and good understanding of developments in science, technology and innovation policy at European level. Experience in the Dutch policy landscape is a plus.
• Experience with business development and writing project proposals.
• Strong analytical, project management and advisory skills, combined with excellent written and spoken English. Dutch is a plus.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to working in an international team.

As a Principal Consultant, you have the freedom and responsibility to bring projects from complex policy questions to clear advice. At the same time, you look beyond your own projects by building relationships, developing new business opportunities and helping colleagues grow.

• Lead complex studies, evaluations and advisory projects, with responsibility for quality, planning, budgets, deliverables and client communication.
• Develop strong research and evaluation approaches and translate complex findings into clear insights and recommendations.
• Advise clients, build and maintain relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders and develop new business opportunities and project proposals.
• Work with consultants across our international offices and contribute to knowledge sharing and the development of our science, technology and innovation policy and evaluation practice.
• Guide, support and coach less experienced consultants in their project work and professional development.

At Technopolis, you combine intellectually challenging and meaningful work with the personal atmosphere of our Amsterdam team. Our office is located in a historic building on Spuistraat, right in the heart of Amsterdam and easily accessible by public transport. We are ambitious and professional, but informal in the way we work together. We have lunch together, play table football, organise team activities and celebrate our successes.

You also work closely with colleagues across our international offices and meet during our Technodays for workshops,…