Welcome to Maastricht University! Europe’s past is characterised by continuous change, conflict, and cooperation — and understanding that past is essential to shaping its future. At Maastricht University, we explore how ideas of democracy, integration, and peace have evolved across borders and generations. As an Assistant Professor in European Political History since 1900, you’ll contribute to this shared mission: connecting historical insight with contemporary debates about Europe’s role in the world. Join a university that values curiosity, collaboration, and critical reflection in everything we do.
Assistant Professor in European Political History since 1900 -
Our goal: We aim to strengthen our expertise in modern European political history and advance interdisciplinary research on democracy, European integration, and Europe’s place in the world.
-
Your colleagues: You will join the Department of History and the Research Program Europe: Society, Politics and Global Order at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). Our community brings together historians, political scientists, philosophers and memory scholars who explore Europe’s past and present through collaborative and comparative research.
What you doYou will contribute to the teaching in a variety of BA and MA programs at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, such as the BA programs in European Studies and Arts and Culture, the Research Master and the MA program in European Studies and in Arts and Culture. Teaching tasks include tutoring, coordinating, and lecturing courses as well as supervising internships and BA and MA theses. At the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, teaching and research duties follow the regular division of 60% teaching and management and 40% research. The research time can be extended through external fundraising.
What you bring We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?
-
Expert in European political history. Your research focuses on the political history of Europe since 1900, including themes such as democratisation, European integration, international cooperation, colonialism or war and peace.
-
Interdisciplinary thinker. You connect empirical historical research with wider theoretical and societal debates, and you enjoy working across disciplinary boundaries.
-
Focus on transnational perspectives. A specific interest in Europeanisation and transnational perspectives is particularly welcome.
-
Experienced researcher. You have an excellent record of international, peer-reviewed publications and are motivated to develop collaborative grant proposals.
-
Engaged scholar. You actively share your insights beyond academia and contribute to public debates about Europe’s role in the world.
-
Inspiring teacher. You have demonstrated experience in course coordination, teaching innovation, and thesis supervision. You encourage active student participation and value team teaching within our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system.
-
Collegial and community-minded. You contribute to our academic environment through openness, collaboration, and a willingness to take on shared responsibilities.
-
Multilingual communicator. You are fluent in English (C2 level, written and spoken). Non-Dutch speakers are expected to acquire an intermediate level of Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.
What we offer At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 18-month contract with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction
- A gross monthly salary between € 4.728 and €6.433 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
- Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
- Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
- A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
- A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
- An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
About the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS)FASoS is a close-knit, international community of thinkers, doers, and connectors. We offer interdisciplinary education in cultural and social sciences, and our research focuses on societies in transition. Creativity and collaboration are central; ranging from European integration, digitalization, and culture to innovative educational projects. FASoS is small-scale, informal, and diverse, with room to follow your own path.
Interested?Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Aline Sierp at aline.sierp[at]maastrichtuniversity.nl. You can also apply directly using the button below.
You are kindly invited to submit your application, which should consist of:
- A 2 to 3-page letter of motivation;
- Your PhD degree certificate;
- A full CV (including a complete list of publications with clear differentiation between peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications, an overview of funding acquisition, management experience, outreach activities)
- Teaching evaluations;
- A statement on teaching and how it relates to the BA and MA programs mentioned above;
- A statement on research interests and plans and how these link to the research conducted within the Research Program ‘Europe: Society, Politics and Global Order’;
- Two writing samples: published article(s) and/or book chapter;
- The contact information of two referees (including e-mail, phone number, mailing address, and relationship to the applicant).
The deadline for submitting your application is 31 January 2026 The first interview round is scheduled on 26 February 2026 and the second interview round on 6 March 2026.
We look forward to getting to know you!
About Maastricht UniversityAt Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
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.