The human movement sciences group within the department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences is searching for a colleague (assistant professor) to strengthen their team (4 staff members, 2 support staff and 20+ PhD students). The research of the group is categorised in two main areas of interest: i) The biology of physical (in)activity and ii) the neuromechanics and exercise physiology of human performance. In both areas, the focus is on translational research linking mechanistic studies, for instance on the neuromuscular determinants of human performance, to novel interventions to improve functioning during activities of daily life.

We are seeking a colleague who can develop a successful cross-disciplinary research programme that integrates exercise physiology, biomechanics and or motor control/learning to study the challenges posed by movement related disorders. The ideal candidate should have experience in the emerging field of studying human locomotion under non-steady state conditions (e.g. impact of perturbations and fatigue). Employing the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) system, the group has developed novel protocols to test neuromuscular plasticity and motor control in subjects while being exposed to challenging conditions. The recent integration of the CAREN system with the Maastricht Omnical indirect calorimetry system has created a unique platform to acquire new knowledge on the relationship between the energetics and stability of human gait. Key research topics of interest are the influence of internal (i.e. fatigue, sensory loss, motor control, muscle-tendon function) and external (i.e. mechanical, environmental) perturbations on the stability and economy of walking in both healthy and clinical populations, as well as interventions to improve locomotor performance in these groups.

We are seeking for a candidate with a background in Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or Human Biology. Successful candidates should;

• contribute to the departmental research portfolio in healthy living
• have experience with 3D motion analysis
• have experience conducting research with clinical populations
• demonstrate cross-disciplinary expertise in exercise physiology/metabolism, biomechanics and/or motor control and learning in relation to human movement
• have international work experience
• be a team player, demonstrated by a track record of successful collaboration, nationally and internationally
• be experienced in the academic development of bachelor and master students
• be motivated to develop his/her performance in teaching, and contribute actively to the education programme of the group
• have a track record in raising financial support for her/his research

Initially, candidates are employed on a temporary contract as assistant professor (level 2) and agree to specific development goals. Five years into the appointment, candidates will be evaluated and if the development goals have been met, promoted to assistant professor (level 1) on a permanent contract. The evaluation can be brought forward if criteria are met earlier. On the candidate’s request the evaluation can be deferred in case of special personal circumstances, such as pregnancy leave, parental leave or chronic illness.

The gross monthly salary depend on experience (scale 10 or scale 11/12).

Maastricht University requires teaching staff to have the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or acquire this qualification preferably within the first year. 

Maastricht University is committed to nurturing an inclusive culture and a welcoming atmosphere. This inclusiveness strategy has resulted in a very diverse representation of nationalities and cultures. We strongly believe that diversity (including, but not limited to nationality, age and gender) of the staff and student population will increase the quality of UM education & research. Fostering diversity and inclusivity creates an academic community where individual talents thrive, and values and differences are cherished. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are qualified for this position.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism

The research of the group is embedded within the NUTRIM school for Nutrition and Translational Metabolic Research. The group is a key player in the centre of human movement of the MUMC+, where it joins forces with clinical departments (Orthopaedics, Neurology, Otolaryngology, Rehabilitation medicine and Physical therapy). They supervise several PhD projects together with clinical partners, focussing on i) the impact of sedentary behaviour on health and ii) understanding the biology of movement disorders. Fundamental knowledge is used to develop new interventions in a variety of patient populations. In addition, they work closely with the rehabilitation centres Adelante and CIRO+, providing a scientific backbone to treatment plans and patient characterisation.

The group has state of the art facilities to stimulate innovative multi-disciplinary research within this field, such as a unique Metabolic Research Unit and the CAREN.  In addition to this, core methodologies for i.e. muscle function assessment, assessment of energy expenditure, 3D motion analysis, daily life activity monitoring and testing of cognitive function, are available to the group.

The group contributes to Human Movement Science related courses in the bachelor and master programmes of Biomedical Sciences and Health Sciences. Education at Maastricht University is based on the principles of Problem Based Learning. 

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/school-nutrition-and-translational-research-metabolism