It isn’t always easy for smart people to make good judgments. Having processes in place that enable people to collect and interpret valid information is essential. But it requires additional resources in the work environment to avoid bad judgment.

The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with a research team specialized in analysing how experts make decisions given certain circumstances at their work. We are searching for candidates who are fascinated by questions about how humans decide, how we can help experts to make good decisions, and how work-related factors such as leadership and training contribute to decision making at the work. You will work with us on the development of models that explain how people with different levels of expertise draw different conclusions about available information. We want you to:

• Conduct a series of studies on judgment and decision making in business.
• Work in close collaboration with our research team on judgment and decision making.
• Acquire a wide range of methodological and statistical skills.
• Take initiatives in developing and exploring ideas on how to collect and interpret data.
• Share and communicate research findings with different audiences in research and business settings.

About the Department

You will work within the Department of Educational Research and Development. This department is known for its research and teaching in the field of the Learning Sciences. Our MSc Learning and Development in Organizations is among the highest ranked programs in the field. We work in close collaboration with the Research Centre for Education and the Labor Market, and the Department of Organisation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship to achieve this. Our research group consists of a highly motivated group of more than 15 international PhD students in the field of learning and development all supervised by experienced senior academic staff. Our department places high value on contributing to the advancement of learning practices and improving how people work in a wide range of organizations.

We are searching for MSc graduates in the Social Sciences, Psychology or Business who demonstrate curiosity in the drivers of human behaviour. We are interested in graduates having skills in:

• Research Methodologies for the Social Sciences or Psychology and Business
• Data analysis of quantitative or qualitative data
• Understanding drivers of human behaviour and decision making
• Academic writing
• Working in teams

As PhD-Student on Judgment and Decision Making in Business at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD-candidate, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2,5 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
  The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

The School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority.