The successful candidate is a talented early-career researcher with a proven interest in European affairs. They will be a member of the core research team Maastricht, Working on Europe (MWoE) of Maastricht University for a two-year appointment and will hold office at Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM). They will work closely with the SEM team and senior researchers in the different faculties of Maastricht University. The post-doc is expected to devote 60% of the position to academic research and 40% to outreach activities, emphasizing the societal impact of the post-doc’s running research. This includes the following output:

• The post-doc carries out internationally competitive research and produces high-quality publications in the area of Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation (MWoE research theme 4), with a clear link to European issues. Research and publications are of a multi- or interdisciplinary nature, fitting the research agenda of ‘Maastricht, Working on Europe’, which reflects the UM wide priority ‘Europe in a globalising world’;
• The post-doc writes and submits at least one relevant individual grant proposal (such as within NWO, ERC, or within any other leading national or international funding scheme for academic research);
• The post-doc engages in outreach activities, including the dissemination of personal research in forms that make it accessible beyond academia or even for the general public (e.g. in the form of open access source collections or databases, popularised publications, policy briefs for societal stakeholders in European affairs, presentations at public events, creation of a service/product developed in collaboration with external partners, etc.);
• The post-doc acts as an active and visible ambassador of the MWoE research agenda within the UM-community and beyond;
• The post-doc contributes to the general promotion and communication regarding MWoE activities and events calendar, coordinated from SEM.

Research theme 4: Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation
Supported by the European Commission, the business-enterprise sector is playing a major role in generating new knowledge and technologies. Research on the economic effects of these corporate investments is in high demand. The findings may help businesses exploit their innovation potential. This, in turn, will benefit the EU and its citizens. Innovations in automation and digitalisation are expected to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness, help build a greener society and improve the overall quality of life of EU citizens.

The use of social media may help boost citizen engagement and participation in politics. It can produce knowledge in areas such as medicine, science and politics. However, the use of these tools is not without critics. More research is needed into how knowledge is created and shared by digital platforms. The same applies to the increased use of data by European companies and organisations. How do they handle, analyse and interpret these rich datasets? Can they be used more efficiently for decision-making? And what are the ethical, legal and social implications?

All this research will benefit from a high-quality research infrastructure, offering new opportunities for sharing and connecting data and resources across the continent.

Applicants are expected to:

• hold a recent (< 5 years) doctorate, or are very close to acquiring a PhD, in Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Economics, Data Science or any other relevant field concerning MWoE research theme 4: Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation;
• have interest in and (proven) experience with a multidisciplinary approach to societal, institutional and political themes and topics related to European affairs;
• have an excellent track record in research, preferably with a focus on European affairs. A strong profile in publication of peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters edited is considered a plus;
• have knowledge of and experience in different research fields/methods;
• have excellent communication and coordination skills;
• have affinity with realizing societal impact through research and/or familiarity with citizen science;
• have the potential to generate research funds from national and international funding agencies;
• be able and willing to be part of an interdisciplinary team;
• have an excellent command of spoken and written English.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Maastricht University offers a challenging job (0.8-1.0fte) in an attractive international work environment for two years. The intended start date is 1 March 2021. This date is negotiable in consultation with the management of Studio Europa. The salary depends on qualifications and experience of the candidate and ranges from € 3.746 (scale 11) to € 5.826 (scale 12) gross per month (based on the salary scales VSNU per 1 June 2020). In addition, there is an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. In addition, Maastricht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including (partly paid) parental leave. 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 http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University

Based in Europe, focused on the world. Maastricht University is a stimulating environment. Where research and teaching are complementary. Where innovation is our focus. Where talent can flourish. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 20,000 students and 4,400 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts six faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Studio Europa Maastricht

Studio Europa Maastricht aims to position Maastricht as a meeting place for citizen dialogue and debate and establish a Centre of Excellence for research on Europe and European integration. In short: a workplace for a better Europe. For everyone. Our mission is to stimulate active, critical debate with citizen engagement at its core.

Our organisation consists of three branches:

• The research of Europe: we are a leading Centre of Excellence for multi-disciplinary Europe-focused research with societal impact;
• The stories of Europe: we stimulate active, critical debate with citizen engagement at its core and capture and share the stories of Europe;
• The heritage of Europe: the Maastricht Treaty is the proud holder of the European Heritage Label since 2018 and we bring its history to life.

We are supported by the partners of the Maastricht, Working on Europe programme: the Province of Limburg, the City of Maastricht and Maastricht University.

Please visit www.maastrichteurope.nl for more information on Studio Europa Maastricht.