Researcher (maternity cover)

About ATNi

ATNi (Access to Nutrition initiative) is a global foundation actively challenging the food industry, investors and policymakers to shape healthier food systems. We analyse and translate data into actionable insights, driving partnerships and innovations for market transformation so that all people have access to nutritious and sustainable food. We convene debates with key stakeholders, including the private sector, responsible investors, policymakers, and consumer groups that will shape healthy diets in the future. 

ATNi currently has approximately 35 staff and consultants, most of whom are based in the Netherlands. For more information on ATNi, please visit our website: https://www.atni.org. 

About the role

To strengthen ATNi’s research team to cover for a maternity leave, ATNi is hiring a Researcher (temporary position). The position will be based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. ATNI has a hybrid working environment. The Researcher will report directly to a Senior Researcher. 

The Researcher will support the Research Team to carry out tasks across various projects to help achieve key objectives, which could include: 

• Support assessments for the 2025 Retail Index, including qualitative analyses of company documentation and quantitative analyses of nutritional product information.  

• Support assessments for the “VitaMin Index”, looking into the role of vitamin suppliers.   

• Translate results and prepare written reports to communicate research results effectively towards companies, investors, and policy makers.  

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of evidence-based research methodologies, incorporating the latest scientific insights. 

• Contribute to the global dialogue on nutrition challenges, tracking corporate practices, and assessing trends in product health and nutrition to bring market change for healthier, more resilient societies. 

This research position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in applied research within the field of global nutrition. The Researcher will play a role in data collection, analysis, report writing, dissemination of the results, and continued development of our research methodologies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain new expertise, collaborate with a diverse, passionate team, and contribute to impactful projects. The work of the Research Team is tightly integrated with the Partnerships team, Policy & Communications and other functions within ATNi.  

Responsibilities

Data collection and action research: 

• Assess nutrition practices and analyze product offerings from retailers and manufacturers, following desk research or company engagement. 

• Support the research team with desk research, literature reviews, and market analyses. 

• Support the research team with data quality checks, qualitative and quantitative data analyses. 

  Reporting and writing:  

• Support the research team in translating research results into reports, webinars, or other communication materials, in close collaboration and alignment with the Research Team, Policy & Communication and Partnership teams.  

  Data-platform management:  

• Quality checks of data and overseeing the online data collection platform of ATNi (in collaboration with ATNi’s external data platform developers). 

  Organizational development:  

• contribute to improving efficient data collection and analysis, data management and quality management processes in the team and organization. 

About you

• Education and experience  

  • Master degree in relevant discipline, e.g. Public Health, Food and Nutrition, Data Science, International Development, Sustainability, or a discipline related to ATNi’s work. 

  • At least 3 years experience or demonstrated interest in food systems and/or global nutrition and private sector research and related topics (SDGs, corporate transparency/ sustainability research, benchmarking). 

  • Knowledge and experience in conducting desk research, data extraction and preparing datasets. 

  • Experience in conducting statistical analyses (e.g. using SPSS, STATA, R). 

   

  Competencies 

  • Proven quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis skills (e.g. Stata), with attention to detail and consistency. Experience with benchmarking approaches is an advantage.  

  • Proven ability to synthesize complex information and write clear and consistent reports based on research findings.  

  • Ideally, the applicant has topical expertise of nutrition, nutrient profiling, food fortification and/ or product (re)formulation. 

  • Planning and analytical abilities; Well-organized with a high attention to detail. 

  • Ability to work efficiently, as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced environment. 

  • Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written. 

  • Good planning and self-organization skills, able to work on multiple projects in parallel. 

  • Strong drive and motivation to work in a purpose-driven organization. 

Special requirements 

Existing necessary permits and approvals to work in the Netherlands.   

Offer

The Research position is on offer between February 2025 – October 2025, for 4-5 days a week (to be discussed).  

This position is based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The team currently employs a hybrid work model, working both from home and in the office. The Researcher will report directly to the Senior Researcher. 

Diversity and inclusion

ATNi is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the organization's policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are driving forces in the success of our organization.