Join our team: UM Europe Chair and UM Research Fellows on Europe

Are you a full professor at Maastricht University (UM) passionate about connecting our university’s cutting-edge research on European themes to high-level policy and societal impact, and ready to play a leading role in implementing the UM research agenda on Europe and shaping UM’s European policy engagement strategy? Then we encourage you to apply to become the UM Europe Chair. 

About the role:
At UM, we understand that research and education thrive through collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. As a truly European university, we aim to strengthen our academic visibility and societal contribution by bringing our expertise to the forefront of policy discourse. As UM Europe Chair, you will lead, represent and embody this UM-wide ambition.

The UM Europe Chair is a strategic, university-wide leadership role connecting and driving the research under Europe and a Globalising World, one of four strategic research themes at UM. This research theme examines processes of European cooperation and integration, and the European Union’s domestic and international role. It does so by focusing on Europe’s economic, political, legal and cultural challenges.

Thematic focus
The European Union is at a crossroads. In a rapidly changing domestic and international context, the predominant paradigms about how to ensure democracy, the rule of law, prosperity and security are being defied. To help address the societal challenges Europe faces today, UM has placed multi- and interdisciplinarity at the heart of its mission. This approach calls for close collaboration across disciplines, supported by the UM research agenda on Europe. The agenda is built around four central themes that together form an umbrella for UM’s research and expertise on Europe across all six faculties: 

European Integration, Rule of Law and Democracy.
Exploring the legitimacy, governance and resilience of European democracy and its institutions.

Sustainability, Prosperity and Cooperation.
Examining Europe’s economic, social, and regional challenges as well as questions around citizen’s health and wellbeing.

Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation.
Analysing the opportunities and risks of the digital transition and strategic technologies.

Europe and the World.
Investigating the EU’s changing role in rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic context.

Through its university-wide research agenda on Europe, UM has the ambition to actively contribute to the current societal debate with academically informed insights and recommendations. Next to being a place for critical debate with citizens and societal partners, UM in the next years will also invest in strengthening the UM science-to-policy impact.

What you will do
The UM Europe chair shapes, champions and safeguards UM’s academic leadership on the UM research agenda on Europe. This role is central to building and mobilising the UM ecosystem in which our interdisciplinary research expertise on Europe is actively connected to societal and policy opportunities at national and European level.

You will strengthen UM’s position as a recognised centre of expertise on Europe by:
– Leading UM’s European research-to-policy ambition under the UM Europe Strategy 2025–2030.
– Mentoring and inspiring a team of four UM research fellows on Europe, fostering cross-faculty collaboration and contribute to advance the research-to-policy ambition.Connecting Europe-focused scholars, research groups, interfaculty centres, and colleagues at SEM and the Brussels Hub into a coherent and active UM ecosystem.
– Initiating and strengthening cross-faculty collaboration and networks around the themes of the UM research agenda on Europe.
– Identifying, initiating, and sustaining UM’s partnerships with policy actors, think tanks, societal organisations and practitioners in The Hague, Brussels, and our region.Representing UM in national and European networks and contributing to high-level debates with policy- and decision-makers and thought leaders.
– Bringing external policy questions, collaboration opportunities and funding possibilities.Contributing to impactful research-to-policy formats, including flagship events and policy-relevant publications.

The UM Europe Chair is a university-wide assignment from the Executive Board, not a new appointment of a professorial chair. The call is open to existing full professors. During the assignment, you will remain affiliated with your home faculty. You will be practically embedded within Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM), UM’s centre of expertise for research, policy, and public debate on Europe, and will serve as SEM’s academic lead. Working space at SEM will be available. In this role, you will work closely with the Head of SEM and its professional staff, represent UM as an expert speaker at SEM and other events, and contribute to public commentary where appropriate. 

Building on its achievements and strong societal partnerships, SEM seeks to foster interfaculty collaboration on European research and enhance the visibility and impact of Europe-focused work across all UM faculties, engaging stakeholders at regional, national, and European levels. Working with and for experts. Jointly, we play a vital role in positioning UM as the European University of the Netherlands. 

What we offer you:
As UM Europe Chair, you will:Hold a high-impact university-wide leadership role central to UM’s Europe Strategy and UM research agenda on Europe.Be entrusted with an institutional assignment to lead and to strengthen UM’s European positioning and connect research expertise to societal and policy impact.Have the platform to connect and motivate colleagues across all UM faculties to contribute to UM’s shared European ambitions.Benefit from the collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of UM research fellows on Europe, SEM professionals, university colleagues, and the interfaculty Academic Board on Europe. Leverage SEM’s established brand, expertise, and networks at regional, national, and European levels to achieve UM’s strategic goals.Receive institutional support and space to build partnerships, develop research-to-policy initiatives and represent UM in policy arenas.Access a shared working and training budget for yourself and the UM research fellows.

A position for 0,4 FTE for the duration of 3 years. 

What you bring
We are looking for a collaborative, impact-driven academic leader ready to inspire others and strengthen UM’s European profile. 

You are:
An inspiring team player who believes the best solutions for society emerge through collaboration across diverse expertise and perspectives.A mentor and network builder, able to motivate, engage, and connect researchers across faculties as well as external stakeholders, including policy actors, think tanks, and research partners.A visionary leader with a strong academic record in a field aligned with the UM research agenda on Europe.Actively engaged in cutting-edge research, with clear ideas on translating academic insights into societal and policy impact.A strong communicator, fluent in Dutch and English, capable of engaging diverse internal and external audiences.Diplomatic and skilled in bridging academia, policy, and society, with a passion for enhancing the societal impact of research findings.Experienced in securing external funding or initiating collaborative proposals, demonstrating the ability to support sustainable, strategic research-policy initiatives. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair of the SEM Academic Board (s.vanhoonacker@maastrichtuniversity.nl), or Dr. Gonny Willems, UM Director Internationalisation (gonny.willems@maastrichtuniversity.nl) for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become the new UM Europe Chair? Apply now and no later than 15 April for this position. Please reserve May 6 2026, between 13:00 and 17:00, in your agenda for a potential interview.

Please submit the following: A motivation letter (max. 2 A4 pages) outlining your vision for UM’s European policy engagement and your fit for this role. Your CV highlighting academic and policy-relevant / societally relevant achievements. Please note that this opportunity is only open to UM full professors. Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of UM and SEM leadership. Selection will be based on thematic fit, leadership skills, potential for policy impact, and ability to mentor fellows and build cross-faculty collaboration.

Are you a UM assistant or associate professor eager to connect your academic expertise on Europe with societal and policy impact? Would you like to help position Maastricht University (UM) as a recognised centre of European research and policy engagement? Then we encourage you to apply to become one of four UM Research Fellows on Europe.

About the role:
At UM, we understand research and education thrive through cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration. The UM research fellows on Europe will help translate interdisciplinary research into accessible, policy-relevant insights, strengthening UM’s visibility and societal impact.
UM research fellows on Europe will work under the UM Europe Chair and contribute together to the ambitions under the UM Europe Strategy 2025–2030. Alongside three other fellows you will help build a connected research-policy ecosystem. Fellows collaborate across faculties and disciplines and support UM’s role in public debates on Europe’s future.
The call runs alongside the UM Europe Chair call to form a coordinated team from September 2026.

Thematic focus
The strategic research theme Europe and a Globalising World provides the overarching lens through which UM explores Europe’s role, challenges, and transformations in a rapidly changing world. This theme is operationalised through the UM research agenda on Europe, which structures multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The UM research fellowships on Europe are anchored in this research agenda and its four interconnected themes:

1. European Integration, Rule of Law and Democracy.
   Exploring the legitimacy, governance and resilience of European democracy and its institutions.
2. Sustainability, Prosperity and Cooperation.
   Examining Europe’s economic, social, and regional challenges as well as questions around citizen’s health and wellbeing.
3. Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation.
   Analysing the opportunities and risks of the digital transition and strategic technologies.
4. Europe and the World.
   Investigating the EU’s changing role in rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic context.

Applicants should indicate in their motivation letter which theme aligns most closely with their research expertise and interest. We aim to select one fellow per research theme while fostering collaboration across themes.

What you will do
As UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Support UM’s Europe Strategy by translating academic insights into policy-relevant outputs (e.g., policy briefs, op-eds, short analyses).
• Collaborate with the UM Europe Chair, other faculty fellows, the Head of Studio Europa Maastricht and its wider team, as well as faculty colleagues on joint planning and initiatives.
• Serve as ambassador for your theme, while contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration across all UM Europe themes.
• Monitor and share research and policy developments within your area to identify new opportunities for policy engagement.
• Co-develop, test and participate in new research-to-policy formats, such as workshops, events, and thematic dialogues. 
• Represent your thematic area in external and internal events.
• Participate in reflection and learning activities, including co-authoring mid-term and final reports together with the UM Europe Chair and fellow team members.

The UM research fellowship are university-wide assignments and are practically embedded at Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM), UM’s centre of expertise for research, policy, and public debate on Europe. SEM coordinates and facilitates UM-wide European research-to-policy activities and provides a university-wide platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. 
As a UM research fellow, you will remain affiliated with and employed by your home faculty, while being practically embedded at SEM, where working space will be available.

Building on its achievements and strong societal partnerships, SEM seeks to foster interfaculty collaboration on European research and enhance the visibility and impact of Europe-focused work across all UM faculties, engaging stakeholders at regional, national, and European levels. Working with and for experts, we play a vital role in positioning UM as the European University of the Netherlands.

What we offer you
As a UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Join a unique interdisciplinary team at the interface of research, policy, and public engagement.
• Contribute to UM-wide strategic ambitions and the implementation of the UM Europe Strategy 2025-2030.
• Develop your own outreach and policy engagement skills through dedicated training and mentorship.
• Gain recognition and visibility for your expertise across UM and in European networks. 
• Receive institutional support and dedicated time to focus on policy-relevant research and activities.
• Access a shared working and training budget for the team of UM research fellows and the UM Europe Chair.
• Benefit from mentorship of the UM Europe Chair and the collaboration with SEM’s professional team.
• A position for 0,3 FTE for the duration of 2 years. 
   

What you bring
We are looking for motivated, policy-minded assistant or associate professors who are eager to translate their academic expertise into societal impact.
You are:

• A UM assistant or associate professor with a solid academic profile in one of the four research agenda themes.
• Motivated to turn academic insights into societal and policy impact.
• A strong team player who values interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that societal challenges are best addressed jointly.
• A connector capable of engaging colleagues within your faculty and external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, Dutch language skills are a valuable asset.
• Open to collaboration on funding initiatives; prior experience is a plus.

Curious? 
Are you interested in this position but still have questions?

Feel free to contact Prof. Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair of the SEM Academic Board (s.vanhoonacker@maastrichtuniversity.nl), or Valentino Vondenhoff, Head of Studio Europa Maastricht (v.vondenhoff@maastrichtuniversity.nl).

Applying?
Apply now and no later than 15 April to join the first cohort of UM research fellows on Europe. 

Please submit the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 A4 pages) outlining your preferred research agenda theme and explaining how you will contribute to UM’s European policy engagement;
2. Your CV highlighting academic and policy-relevant / societally relevant achievements.
3. An endorsement letter by your Head of Department, if there is questions from the side of your department on the assignment, they may reach out to the contacts indicated above. 
4. Please reserve the following timeslots in your agenda for a potential interview 13 May.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to UM assistant or associate professors.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of SEM Academic Board members and SEM leadership. Selection criteria include thematic fit, motivation, policy engagement potential, and ability to collaborate across faculties.

Are you a UM assistant or associate professor eager to connect your academic expertise on Europe with societal and policy impact? Would you like to help position Maastricht University (UM) as a recognised centre of European research and policy engagement? Then we encourage you to apply to become one of four UM Research Fellows on Europe.

About the role:
At UM, we understand research and education thrive through cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration. The UM research fellows on Europe will help translate interdisciplinary research into accessible, policy-relevant insights, strengthening UM’s visibility and societal impact.
UM research fellows on Europe will work under the UM Europe Chair and contribute together to the ambitions under the UM Europe Strategy 2025–2030. Alongside three other fellows you will help build a connected research-policy ecosystem. Fellows collaborate across faculties and disciplines and support UM’s role in public debates on Europe’s future.
The call runs alongside the UM Europe Chair call to form a coordinated team from September 2026.

Thematic focus
The strategic research theme Europe and a Globalising World provides the overarching lens through which UM explores Europe’s role, challenges, and transformations in a rapidly changing world. This theme is operationalised through the UM research agenda on Europe, which structures multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The UM research fellowships on Europe are anchored in this research agenda and its four interconnected themes:

1. European Integration, Rule of Law and Democracy.
   Exploring the legitimacy, governance and resilience of European democracy and its institutions.
2. Sustainability, Prosperity and Cooperation.
   Examining Europe’s economic, social, and regional challenges as well as questions around citizen’s health and wellbeing.
3. Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation.
   Analysing the opportunities and risks of the digital transition and strategic technologies.
4. Europe and the World.
   Investigating the EU’s changing role in rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic context.

Applicants should indicate in their motivation letter which theme aligns most closely with their research expertise and interest. We aim to select one fellow per research theme while fostering collaboration across themes.

What you will do
As UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Support UM’s Europe Strategy by translating academic insights into policy-relevant outputs (e.g., policy briefs, op-eds, short analyses).
• Collaborate with the UM Europe Chair, other faculty fellows, the Head of Studio Europa Maastricht and its wider team, as well as faculty colleagues on joint planning and initiatives.
• Serve as ambassador for your theme, while contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration across all UM Europe themes.
• Monitor and share research and policy developments within your area to identify new opportunities for policy engagement.
• Co-develop, test and participate in new research-to-policy formats, such as workshops, events, and thematic dialogues. 
• Represent your thematic area in external and internal events.
• Participate in reflection and learning activities, including co-authoring mid-term and final reports together with the UM Europe Chair and fellow team members.

The UM research fellowship are university-wide assignments and are practically embedded at Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM), UM’s centre of expertise for research, policy, and public debate on Europe. SEM coordinates and facilitates UM-wide European research-to-policy activities and provides a university-wide platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. 
As a UM research fellow, you will remain affiliated with and employed by your home faculty, while being practically embedded at SEM, where working space will be available.

Building on its achievements and strong societal partnerships, SEM seeks to foster interfaculty collaboration on European research and enhance the visibility and impact of Europe-focused work across all UM faculties, engaging stakeholders at regional, national, and European levels. Working with and for experts, we play a vital role in positioning UM as the European University of the Netherlands.

What we offer you
As a UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Join a unique interdisciplinary team at the interface of research, policy, and public engagement.
• Contribute to UM-wide strategic ambitions and the implementation of the UM Europe Strategy 2025-2030.
• Develop your own outreach and policy engagement skills through dedicated training and mentorship.
• Gain recognition and visibility for your expertise across UM and in European networks. 
• Receive institutional support and dedicated time to focus on policy-relevant research and activities.
• Access a shared working and training budget for the team of UM research fellows and the UM Europe Chair.
• Benefit from mentorship of the UM Europe Chair and the collaboration with SEM’s professional team.
• A position for 0,3 FTE for the duration of 2 years. 
   

What you bring
We are looking for motivated, policy-minded assistant or associate professors who are eager to translate their academic expertise into societal impact.
You are:

• A UM assistant or associate professor with a solid academic profile in one of the four research agenda themes.
• Motivated to turn academic insights into societal and policy impact.
• A strong team player who values interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that societal challenges are best addressed jointly.
• A connector capable of engaging colleagues within your faculty and external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, Dutch language skills are a valuable asset.
• Open to collaboration on funding initiatives; prior experience is a plus.

Curious? 
Are you interested in this position but still have questions?

Feel free to contact Prof. Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair of the SEM Academic Board (s.vanhoonacker@maastrichtuniversity.nl), or Valentino Vondenhoff, Head of Studio Europa Maastricht (v.vondenhoff@maastrichtuniversity.nl).

Applying?
Apply now and no later than 15 April to join the first cohort of UM research fellows on Europe. 

Please submit the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 A4 pages) outlining your preferred research agenda theme and explaining how you will contribute to UM’s European policy engagement;
2. Your CV highlighting academic and policy-relevant / societally relevant achievements.
3. An endorsement letter by your Head of Department, if there is questions from the side of your department on the assignment, they may reach out to the contacts indicated above. 
4. Please reserve the following timeslots in your agenda for a potential interview 11 May.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to UM assistant or associate professors.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of SEM Academic Board members and SEM leadership. Selection criteria include thematic fit, motivation, policy engagement potential, and ability to collaborate across faculties.

Are you a UM assistant or associate professor eager to connect your academic expertise on Europe with societal and policy impact? Would you like to help position Maastricht University (UM) as a recognised centre of European research and policy engagement? Then we encourage you to apply to become one of four UM Research Fellows on Europe.

About the role:
At UM, we understand research and education thrive through cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration. The UM research fellows on Europe will help translate interdisciplinary research into accessible, policy-relevant insights, strengthening UM’s visibility and societal impact.
UM research fellows on Europe will work under the UM Europe Chair and contribute together to the ambitions under the UM Europe Strategy 2025–2030. Alongside three other fellows you will help build a connected research-policy ecosystem. Fellows collaborate across faculties and disciplines and support UM’s role in public debates on Europe’s future.
The call runs alongside the UM Europe Chair call to form a coordinated team from September 2026.

Thematic focus
The strategic research theme Europe and a Globalising World provides the overarching lens through which UM explores Europe’s role, challenges, and transformations in a rapidly changing world. This theme is operationalised through the UM research agenda on Europe, which structures multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The UM research fellowships on Europe are anchored in this research agenda and its four interconnected themes:

1. European Integration, Rule of Law and Democracy.
   Exploring the legitimacy, governance and resilience of European democracy and its institutions.
2. Sustainability, Prosperity and Cooperation.
   Examining Europe’s economic, social, and regional challenges as well as questions around citizen’s health and wellbeing.
3. Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation.
   Analysing the opportunities and risks of the digital transition and strategic technologies.
4. Europe and the World.
   Investigating the EU’s changing role in rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic context.

Applicants should indicate in their motivation letter which theme aligns most closely with their research expertise and interest. We aim to select one fellow per research theme while fostering collaboration across themes.

What you will do
As UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Support UM’s Europe Strategy by translating academic insights into policy-relevant outputs (e.g., policy briefs, op-eds, short analyses).
• Collaborate with the UM Europe Chair, other faculty fellows, the Head of Studio Europa Maastricht and its wider team, as well as faculty colleagues on joint planning and initiatives.
• Serve as ambassador for your theme, while contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration across all UM Europe themes.
• Monitor and share research and policy developments within your area to identify new opportunities for policy engagement.
• Co-develop, test and participate in new research-to-policy formats, such as workshops, events, and thematic dialogues. 
• Represent your thematic area in external and internal events.
• Participate in reflection and learning activities, including co-authoring mid-term and final reports together with the UM Europe Chair and fellow team members.

The UM research fellowship are university-wide assignments and are practically embedded at Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM), UM’s centre of expertise for research, policy, and public debate on Europe. SEM coordinates and facilitates UM-wide European research-to-policy activities and provides a university-wide platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. 
As a UM research fellow, you will remain affiliated with and employed by your home faculty, while being practically embedded at SEM, where working space will be available.

Building on its achievements and strong societal partnerships, SEM seeks to foster interfaculty collaboration on European research and enhance the visibility and impact of Europe-focused work across all UM faculties, engaging stakeholders at regional, national, and European levels. Working with and for experts, we play a vital role in positioning UM as the European University of the Netherlands.

What we offer you
As a UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Join a unique interdisciplinary team at the interface of research, policy, and public engagement.
• Contribute to UM-wide strategic ambitions and the implementation of the UM Europe Strategy 2025-2030.
• Develop your own outreach and policy engagement skills through dedicated training and mentorship.
• Gain recognition and visibility for your expertise across UM and in European networks. 
• Receive institutional support and dedicated time to focus on policy-relevant research and activities.
• Access a shared working and training budget for the team of UM research fellows and the UM Europe Chair.
• Benefit from mentorship of the UM Europe Chair and the collaboration with SEM’s professional team.
• A position for 0,3 FTE for the duration of 2 years.  

What you bring
We are looking for motivated, policy-minded assistant or associate professors who are eager to translate their academic expertise into societal impact.
You are:

• A UM assistant or associate professor with a solid academic profile in one of the four research agenda themes.
• Motivated to turn academic insights into societal and policy impact.
• A strong team player who values interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that societal challenges are best addressed jointly.
• A connector capable of engaging colleagues within your faculty and external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, Dutch language skills are a valuable asset.
• Open to collaboration on funding initiatives; prior experience is a plus.

Curious? 
Are you interested in this position but still have questions?

Feel free to contact Prof. Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair of the SEM Academic Board (s.vanhoonacker@maastrichtuniversity.nl), or Valentino Vondenhoff, Head of Studio Europa Maastricht (v.vondenhoff@maastrichtuniversity.nl).

Applying?
Apply now and no later than 15 April to join the first cohort of UM research fellows on Europe. 

Please submit the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 A4 pages) outlining your preferred research agenda theme and explaining how you will contribute to UM’s European policy engagement;
2. Your CV highlighting academic and policy-relevant / societally relevant achievements.
3. An endorsement letter by your Head of Department, if there is questions from the side of your department on the assignment, they may reach out to the contacts indicated above. 
4. Please reserve the following timeslots in your agenda for a potential interview 11 May.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to UM assistant or associate professors.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of SEM Academic Board members and SEM leadership. Selection criteria include thematic fit, motivation, policy engagement potential, and ability to collaborate across faculties.

Are you a UM assistant or associate professor eager to connect your academic expertise on Europe with societal and policy impact? Would you like to help position Maastricht University (UM) as a recognised centre of European research and policy engagement? Then we encourage you to apply to become one of four UM Research Fellows on Europe.

About the role:
At UM, we understand research and education thrive through cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration. The UM research fellows on Europe will help translate interdisciplinary research into accessible, policy-relevant insights, strengthening UM’s visibility and societal impact.
UM research fellows on Europe will work under the UM Europe Chair and contribute together to the ambitions under the UM Europe Strategy 2025–2030. Alongside three other fellows you will help build a connected research-policy ecosystem. Fellows collaborate across faculties and disciplines and support UM’s role in public debates on Europe’s future.
The call runs alongside the UM Europe Chair call to form a coordinated team from September 2026.

Thematic focus
The strategic research theme Europe and a Globalising World provides the overarching lens through which UM explores Europe’s role, challenges, and transformations in a rapidly changing world. This theme is operationalised through the UM research agenda on Europe, which structures multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. The UM research fellowships on Europe are anchored in this research agenda and its four interconnected themes:

1. European Integration, Rule of Law and Democracy.
   Exploring the legitimacy, governance and resilience of European democracy and its institutions.
2. Sustainability, Prosperity and Cooperation.
   Examining Europe’s economic, social, and regional challenges as well as questions around citizen’s health and wellbeing.
3. Knowledge, Technology and Digitalisation.
   Analysing the opportunities and risks of the digital transition and strategic technologies.
4. Europe and the World.
   Investigating the EU’s changing role in rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic context.

Applicants should indicate in their motivation letter which theme aligns most closely with their research expertise and interest. We aim to select one fellow per research theme while fostering collaboration across themes.

What you will do
As UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Support UM’s Europe Strategy by translating academic insights into policy-relevant outputs (e.g., policy briefs, op-eds, short analyses).
• Collaborate with the UM Europe Chair, other faculty fellows, the Head of Studio Europa Maastricht and its wider team, as well as faculty colleagues on joint planning and initiatives.
• Serve as ambassador for your theme, while contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration across all UM Europe themes.
• Monitor and share research and policy developments within your area to identify new opportunities for policy engagement.
• Co-develop, test and participate in new research-to-policy formats, such as workshops, events, and thematic dialogues. 
• Represent your thematic area in external and internal events.
• Participate in reflection and learning activities, including co-authoring mid-term and final reports together with the UM Europe Chair and fellow team members.

The UM research fellowship are university-wide assignments and are practically embedded at Studio Europa Maastricht (SEM), UM’s centre of expertise for research, policy, and public debate on Europe. SEM coordinates and facilitates UM-wide European research-to-policy activities and provides a university-wide platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. 
As a UM research fellow, you will remain affiliated with and employed by your home faculty, while being practically embedded at SEM, where working space will be available.

Building on its achievements and strong societal partnerships, SEM seeks to foster interfaculty collaboration on European research and enhance the visibility and impact of Europe-focused work across all UM faculties, engaging stakeholders at regional, national, and European levels. Working with and for experts, we play a vital role in positioning UM as the European University of the Netherlands.

What we offer you
As a UM research fellow on Europe, you will:

• Join a unique interdisciplinary team at the interface of research, policy, and public engagement.
• Contribute to UM-wide strategic ambitions and the implementation of the UM Europe Strategy 2025-2030.
• Develop your own outreach and policy engagement skills through dedicated training and mentorship.
• Gain recognition and visibility for your expertise across UM and in European networks. 
• Receive institutional support and dedicated time to focus on policy-relevant research and activities.
• Access a shared working and training budget for the team of UM research fellows and the UM Europe Chair.
• Benefit from mentorship of the UM Europe Chair and the collaboration with SEM’s professional team.
• A position for 0,3 FTE for the duration of 2 years. 

What you bring
We are looking for motivated, policy-minded assistant or associate professors who are eager to translate their academic expertise into societal impact.
You are:

• A UM assistant or associate professor with a solid academic profile in one of the four research agenda themes.
• Motivated to turn academic insights into societal and policy impact.
• A strong team player who values interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that societal challenges are best addressed jointly.
• A connector capable of engaging colleagues within your faculty and external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, Dutch language skills are a valuable asset.
• Open to collaboration on funding initiatives; prior experience is a plus.

Curious? 
Are you interested in this position but still have questions?

Feel free to contact Prof. Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair of the SEM Academic Board (s.vanhoonacker@maastrichtuniversity.nl), or Valentino Vondenhoff, Head of Studio Europa Maastricht (v.vondenhoff@maastrichtuniversity.nl).

Applying?
Apply now and no later than 15 April to join the first cohort of UM research fellows on Europe. 

Please submit the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 A4 pages) outlining your preferred research agenda theme and explaining how you will contribute to UM’s European policy engagement;
2. Your CV highlighting academic and policy-relevant / societally relevant achievements.
3. An endorsement letter by your Head of Department, if there is questions from the side of your department on the assignment, they may reach out to the contacts indicated above. 
4. Please reserve the following timeslots in your agenda for a potential interview 7 May.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to UM assistant or associate professors.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of SEM Academic Board members and SEM leadership. Selection criteria include thematic fit, motivation, policy engagement potential, and ability to collaborate across faculties.