Welcome to Maastricht University!How can data strengthen public health decision-making across Europe? And what capacities do local and regional authorities need to make this happen? As our new junior researcher, you will help generate the first comparative evidence on data use in public health policymaking within the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Curious? Then keep reading.
Junior researcher on data-driven public health at the Department of International Health -
Our goal: The project will examine how public health authorities collect, exchange, and use data for decision-making, and develop indicators to measure relevant technical and workforce capacities. The project will generate the first comparative evidence on how data use shapes local and regional public health policymaking in the context of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The results will inform EU and national strategies for strengthening data-driven public health.
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Your colleagues: We are looking for a junior researcher to support the research line on data-driven public health at the Department of International Health at Maastricht University.
What you do - Conduct literature reviews on data use, interoperability, and health information systems.
- Organise and contribute to expert consultations (Delphi surveys, interviews, focus groups) and/or design and implement surveys of public health authorities across several EU countries.
- Contribute to academic publications, policy briefs, and conference presentations.
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 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?
- MSc degree in public health, epidemiology, health policy, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews.
- Skills in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, Delphi studies) and/or quantitative research methods (e.g., statistical analysis, survey design).
- An interest in EU health data governance, including the EHDS regulation, and health information systems.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong organisational skills, ability to work independently, and interest in interdisciplinary, international collaboration
Preferred skills and experience - Previous experience working with or studying regional public health authorities or municipal health departments.
- Skills in stakeholder engagement (e.g., organising workshops, liaising with policymakers).
- Publication record or conference presentations in relevant fields.
What we offer At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 30-month contract with a scope of 0.7 FTE.
- A gross monthly salary between €3.546 and €5.538 (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 Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.
CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute CAPHRI works towards better health for everyone through innovative solutions for healthcare and public health care. CAPHRI builds bridges between science and society by conducting research with an inclusive and participatory approach. The research focuses on prevention and innovation ranging from public - and primary health care, to person-oriented long-term care.
Our research has a strong multidisciplinary approach with attention to local, regional and global themes embedded in six research lines: Ageing and Long-Term Care, Creating Value-Based Health Care, Functioning, Participation and Rehabilitation, Health Inequities and Societal Participation, Optimizing Patient Care; and Promoting Health and Personalised Care.
Working at CAPHRI means being engaged in an active and inspiring academic setting and making a real contribution to the improvement of care and public health. CAPHRI attracts top scientists from around the world and is known for its comprehensive PhD training program for young talented scientists.
www.caphri.nlhttps://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/care-and-public-health-research-institute)Department of International HealthThe FHML Department of International Health focuses on health policy and workforce development in public health to support policy-makers and practitioners in evidence-informed decision-making. We do this by interdisciplinary, innovative education and research with societal relevance, addressing health and societal challenges and proposing solutions with impact at the local, national and international level.
Interested? Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Rok Hrzic (
r.hrzic@maastrichtuniversity.nl. You can also apply directly using the button below.
Please upload your CV, motivation letter, contact information for two referees, and evidence of your first research experiences. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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.
At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.
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.