The Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) of Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics is involved in many international surveys or research initiatives (such as the international adult literacy survey PIAAC, or international graduate surveys) funded by organisations like the OECD, the EC and CEDEFOP. ROA is seeking to appoint an experienced researcher to manage one or more of these projects. The candidate will be a member of an energetic multidisciplinary research group, specialized in the impact of knowledge and skills acquired in education, training, and work on various labour market outcomes.

 Candidates will be judged on the basis of the requirements outlined below. To be considered, candidates should make sure that their application letter demonstrates how they meet these requirements: 

• Successful completion of a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Education Science or other relevant field.

• Strong background in research design and advanced statistical skills, as demonstrated in education and work so far.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Strong interest in both policy oriented and scientific research.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

• Experience with (large scale) comparative research in a multidisciplinary and international environment.

• Good publication record, as demonstrated by articles in international journals.

• Outstanding organizational, intercultural, and interpersonal skills.

• Willingness to relocate to (the vicinity of) Maastricht.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years, followed by a permanent position based on a positive assessment.

Salary scale: 11 or 12 depending on experience (Dutch University Salary Scales)
Employment basis: Temporary with the prospect of a permanent position
Duration of the initial contract: 4 years, followed by a permanent position based on a positive assessment.

Maximum hours per week: 38

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 http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

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 16,500 students and 4,000 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 Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

ROA is a leading research institute of the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht University. ROA’s research activities are being carried out and supported by a dedicated scientific and support staff, consisting of about 40 employees. ROA intends to make a significant contribution to both academic and societal discussions on the effects of human capital on the performance of individuals, firms and societies as a whole. ROA has an excellent academic reputation as shown by its publication records and awarded research grants. Strong ties with policy makers at the national and international level ensure the societal relevance of ROA’s research. 

The overarching research theme of ROA is the acquisition and depreciation of human capital over the life course in relation to the dynamics of the labour market. This is studied in four research programs: 

• Education and Occupational Career

• Training and Employment

• Dynamics of the Labour Market

• Human Capital in the Region

The position of project manager will be located in the first research program.