We are looking for a candidate who has – proven – interest in a (research) project aimed at the improvement of the connection of future students into Maastricht University. The focus of the project is on:

• “Spark the Curiosity” aimed at fostering the interests of students for a science study @UM and to preserve talented students in our region.
• “4G- Good Orientation – Good Choice – Good Landing – Good Start” aimed at supporting all groups of students in their transition from high school to university and a successful experience @UM. Special attention is given to students that are more at risk of a more difficult transition (or decide not to move to university) either because of their background (e.g., first generation students) or their personality (e.g., low self-esteem).

These activities will be developed in close collaboration with Dutch high schools (within a well-established network) and will be accompanied by research, i.e., in line with evidence-based policy making in education. The research starts with the identification of possible risk groups and factors for a successful transition to UM and is followed by evaluations studies of the abovementioned activities.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally oriented organisation. Your home base will be EDLAB. With the current team of enthusiastic educational specialists and project leaders, EDLAB will grow into a fully-fledged Teaching and Learning Centre. You will also be part of the project team focusing on connection of future students, home-based at our Marketing & Communication Department. In addition, you will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field. You will also be embedded in the Graduate School activities of the Maastricht School of Business and Economics where you will also meet other PhD-students working in the field of education research.

Are you self-motivated, curious and interested in research? Do you have a record of high academic achievement (e.g., good grades and/or involvement in other academic activities) and the skills required to become an excellent researcher? If so, then this PhD position might be the challenge you are looking for.

• Given the Dutch context for the projects and research, speaking and understanding Dutch is a pre (or the willingness to follow some language courses)

Fixed-term contract: 4 Year.

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.

You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. Depending on your personal situation, you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs or for alternative housing. Other secondary conditions include a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave.

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. For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.