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

• The post-doc carries out internationally competitive research and produces high-quality publications in the area of Prosperity, Welfare and Inequality (SEM research theme 3), with a clear link to European issues. Research and publications are of a multi- or interdisciplinary nature, which reflects the UM wide research priority ‘Europe in a globalising world’; 
• The post-doc writes and submits at least one individual grant proposal (e.g. in the Dutch NWO, European ERC, or in another leading national or international funding scheme for academia); 
• 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; 
• The post-doc is an active and visible ambassador of SEM’s research agenda in- and outside the UM; 
• The post-doc contributes to the general promotion and communication regarding SEM activities and events calendar. 

Research theme 3: Prosperity, Welfare and Inequality 
The EU seeks to increase the prosperity and welfare of its member states and citizens while maintaining cohesion and solidarity. Increasing integration through the creation of the internal market was one of the main instruments to promote both economic growth and convergence, leading to less inequality within and between countries. Although trade across countries and capital flows have significantly increased, convergence in living standards and health have remained limited. This has given many European citizens a sense of ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ and increasing public dissatisfaction with European integration efforts. 

The limited success can be blamed partly to the 2008 financial crisis, the subsequent Euro crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we also acknowledge the fact that the creation of prosperity and welfare and the reduction of inequality depends on the complex interaction between European and national policymakers and the private sector. 

An adequately functioning internal market requires a well-developed institutional and legal framework for matters such as competition policy, property law – including intellectual property law, contract and company law, consumer law and rules for mergers and acquisitions. However, cultural and social heterogeneity across countries has been inappropriately neglected. Policy design should include differences in behaviour and preferences of companies and households and should be combined with serious policy evaluation to learn from experience. 

Apart from the most recent crises that have hit Europe, other challenges are present, such as climate change, economic circularity and the energy transition (Green Deal), ageing populations, migration flows and technological changes. These all raise questions about the challenge of striving for prosperity and welfare for EU citizens while reducing inequality. Research is needed to reflect on the goals and strategies, and to provide future policy recommendations. 

Read more about this theme in SEM’s research agenda: https://studioeuropamaastricht.nl/research/ 

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 SEM research theme 3: Prosperity, Welfare and Inequality; 
• 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-year.

Maastricht University offers a challenging job (0.8-1.0fte) in an attractive international work environment for two years. The intended start date is between September and December 2022. The exact date is negotiable in consultation with the management of SEM. The salary depends on qualifications and experience of the candidate and ranges from € 3.821 to € 5.230 (scale 11) gross per month (based on the salary scales VSNU per 1 January 2022). In addition, there is an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. A favourable tax regime may apply for foreign applicants. 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 www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

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 22,000 students and about 5,000 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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.

Studio Europa Maastricht

Studio Europa Maastricht is a centre of expertise for Europe-related debate and research. 

Founded in 2018 and supported by the partners of the Maastricht, Working on Europe programme: Maastricht University, the Province of Limburg and the City of Maastricht. Together we aim to position Maastricht, the capital of Limburg as a meeting place for citizen dialogue and debate and establish a centre of excellence for research on Europe and European integration. 

Our team examines, explores, and engages. We are #WorkingonEurope. 

Our organisation consists of three pillars: 

• Academic research 
  We are a leading centre for multi-disciplinary Europe-focused research with societal impact. 
• European heritage 
  We bring the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty, since 2018 proud holder of the European Heritage Label, to life. 
• Public debate 
  We stimulate active, critical debate with engagement at its core and capture and share the stories of Europe. 

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