Working in IT
Interested in how you can contribute to groundbreaking solutions at our university? Continue reading on this page to discover how you, as an IT specialist at Radboud University, can make a difference.
What our colleagues say
My varied and independent range of tasks ensures that, after nearly twenty years in service, I keep developing my skills.
Marek Tyc is the team leader of IT Support at the Donders Institute.
"For almost twenty years, I have been working at Radboud University, and I am still excited to get to work every day. As a team leader in IT Support, I provide IT assistance to prominent brain researchers. My task is to ensure they can focus on their research as much as possible without being hindered by IT-related problems.
My varied and independent range of tasks ensures that, after almost twenty years in service, I keep developing my skills. The IT landscape changes every year, which means I am always learning new things, feel challenged, and enjoy going to work every day. Additionally, it gives me energy to stay close to the end user in my work. If I can make people happy, then I am satisfied myself.
Radboud University, as an organisation, does not pursue profit. Instead, the focus is on research, education, and societal impact, which I appreciate. By providing good support as an IT professional, I indirectly contribute to socially relevant research and education. You are truly an essential part of the bigger picture, which is significantly different from being externally hired for a project.
Moreover, I find Radboud University a pleasant place to work with good benefits. My supervisor allows flexibility with working hours or working from home when I need to handle something privately, for example, for my two young children. I usually start around half past eight after a twenty-kilometre bike ride to the green campus, and around five o'clock, I cycle back home. During that bike ride, I can release my sense of responsibility, so that at home, I can focus on my family again."
At Radboud University, I can solve complex IT puzzles that indirectly contribute to education and research.
Yvon Aartse is a developer for the Radboud University website.
'After eight years at a commercial agency, I was looking for a role that provided more room for my development. The world of developers is constantly changing, so I consider it important to continue learning in my daily work and the long term. When I applied for a job at Radboud University, it quickly became clear that there are ample opportunities for my personal and professional growth. In this accessible, open, and informal atmosphere, I can elevate myself to a higher level.
At the start, the size of the organisation somewhat overwhelmed me. I came from a company with thirteen colleagues, and now I have nearly six thousand! Nevertheless, everything is well-structured and clear. As a new employee, I had the space to understand where I had ended up and what my tasks were. Additionally, welcome events for new employees helped me get to know the organisation. In the first months, I didn't have to run, but could walk at a comfortable pace, which I appreciated.
The level of autonomy in my work is significant. We work in two-week sprints, which always makes my tasks clear. The location, order, and working hours in which I perform my tasks are flexible, if I coordinate with my colleagues. For example, I work from home two days a week and sometimes compensate with an extra hour on one day, so I can finish earlier on the other day.
At Radboud University, I can solve complex IT puzzles that indirectly contribute to education and research. Without a well-functioning website, prospective students cannot explore their study programme, we cannot effectively share our research, and we cannot attract new employees. By contributing to a greater societal goal, I feel a lot of satisfaction and pride.'
Within IT, colleagues come into contact with all facets of the university.
For Iwan Holleman, building bridges to research and education is the significance of IT within Radboud University. As the director of the Information & Library Services division, he aims to contribute to the societal impact the university pursues. 'The sense of contributing to spectacular developments is what we strive for.'
What challenges does IT face within Radboud University?
'Within the IT field, we are closely connected to education and can practically assist research with tools and other knowledge. How beautiful is that! IT supports all levels within the data, information, and knowledge pyramid, from data production to the acquisition and transmission of knowledge. This includes facilitating the use of our special heritage collections, data management for open science, and the online collaboration of students and staff.
My driving force is the societal impact you achieve. We help the next generation of students find a place in society and indirectly contribute to groundbreaking research, such as the first image of the black hole that is famous worldwide. The feeling of contributing to such spectacular developments is what we aim for.'
What makes working at Radboud University truly different from a job in the business sector?
'A university is a non-profit organisation. Everything we do revolves around research and education. With the students we annually educate and prepare for the job market, we have a significant societal impact. Additionally, we conduct distinctive and groundbreaking research. I can't imagine any other organisation where this is possible. So, we're not here to make a profit, but to use the resources we have as effectively as possible. That's a different mindset. We turn it around and genuinely aim to make an impact.'
What growth can new colleagues experience here?
'You encounter all facets of the university and develop a broad perspective. We have a lot to offer. The university is like a large candy store where much is happening. Choosing from all the possibilities might be the biggest challenge. And importantly, the university rarely puts on the brakes and provides all the support, training, and coaching.'
Working at Radboud University
Radboud University contributes to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for everyone. And for this purpose, we need diverse and multifaceted people, from all over the world, who want to share and expand their knowledge and experience. So that together we can realise your and our ambitions. And if you wish to develop your potential, you will be given ample opportunity. You will also find that our terms of employment focus on your needs, which makes it possible for us to help you achieve a good work-life balance.
