PNN Vacancy: Daily Board Member - Treasurer / Finance & Organisational Development

Are you passionate about the position of PhD candidates in the Netherlands? Do you want to make an impact at a national level and collaborate with enthusiastic PhD candidates from across the country? Then this position is for you!

As of September 2026, the PhD Candidates Network Netherlands (PNN) is looking to strengthen its executive board with a Treasurer / Board Member for Finance & Organisational Development.

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Highlights

• You have direct influence on PNN’s direction by shaping its financial policy.
• You play a key role in implementing a subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), supporting the professionalisation of PNN and PostdocNL.
• You support the Chair and Vice-Chair and are part of the executive board.
• You expand your network within and beyond academia and develop valuable governance skills.
• You carry out flexible board work alongside your PhD, with time-for-time compensation (in consultation).

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What will be your role?

• As Treasurer / Board Member for Finance and Organisational Development at PNN, you are responsible for the organisation’s financial management and actively contribute within the executive board to PNN’s strategy and development. You serve as treasurer of the association and play an active role in implementing a subsidy from the Ministry of OCW, which PNN receives jointly with PostdocNL.
• You contribute to executive board discussions, provide advice, and together with the Chair and Vice-Chair determine PNN’s collaboration with partners such as the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Together with the Chair and/or Vice-Chair, you attend meetings with partners regarding the implementation of the subsidy.
• You act as a co-contact person and financial lead for the subsidy and contribute strategically to its implementation (including helping to guide changes in PNN’s organisational structure).
• You maintain PNN’s financial administration and make payments on behalf of the organisation.
• You prepare the budget and produce the annual financial report.
• You contribute ideas regarding collaboration with sponsors and external parties and prepare invoices.

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Who are we looking for?

• You are currently pursuing a PhD (as an employee, grant-based PhD, or external PhD) at a Dutch university, UMC, or research institution.

• You are socially engaged, communicate clearly, and enjoy working collaboratively.
• You have an interest in finance and policy. Prior experience as a treasurer is not required; you will learn on the job.
• You are willing to commit an average of 8–12 hours per week to PNN for at least 1 year. During busy research or teaching periods, this time commitment can be adjusted by mutual agreement — your dissertation always comes first.
• You are available at least one evening per month for a board meeting in Utrecht or Amsterdam and are available to travel to other meetings if needed.
• You speak and write English fluently. Additionally, you understand sufficient Dutch to read official documents.

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What do we offer?

• Collaboration within an enthusiastic and diverse national board.
• An extensive network within and beyond academia.
• Plenty of room for your own initiatives and ideas.
• The opportunity to gain policy and governance experience that benefits you during and after your PhD.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred for your board role.
• Possible time compensation in the form of an extension of your PhD trajectory. For PhD candidates outside a university or UMC, possibilities will be discussed individually.

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About PNN

The Promovendi Netwerk Nederland (PNN) is the national organization representing the interests of PhD candidates across the Netherlands. PNN is dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of PhD candidates in various areas, such as working conditions, professional development, and improving the PhD trajectory. Additionally, PNN advocates for inclusive and open science, where PhD researchers are given the space to develop their talents and focus on building a sustainable academic career. PNN collaborates closely with branch organizations, research institutions, and policymakers to enhance the PhD environment. It also organizes events and provides a platform for PhD candidates to share knowledge and experiences. At our quarterly general assemblies, representatives from local PhD organizations at all Dutch universities and UMCs come together to discuss key issues.

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Enthusiastic?

Questions or interest? Don’t hesitate to contact us! Due to the current treasurer, Emma de Brabander, being on holiday, you can direct any questions about PNN and this board position to Maartje Zweers (Vice-Chair/Secretary, secretaris@hetpnn.nl). She would be happy to meet for a coffee (online or in person) to tell you more about the role and how it can be combined with your PhD.

If interested, this board position can be combined with the position of General Board Member for Labour Conditions at Universities or Hospitals, or with the role of External Commissioner.

You can apply until May 22, 2026 by sending your motivation letter and CV to Maartje Zweers (Vice-Chair/Secretary, secretaris@hetpnn.nl). The interviews will take place online on June 1 and 3. Between early August and early September, you will be introduced to the role at a gradual pace, taking holidays and other commitments into account. From mid-September, you will take over the tasks from the current portfolio holder. The official appointment will take place on Friday, 25 September, during the General Members’ Assembly.