We are looking for an Assistant Professor in Systems, Computational, or Synthetic Biology with a focus on plants to help develop our new activities in plant systems biology at the Greenport Campus Venlo in the Southern Netherlands. The campus has a focus on research (from fundamental to applied) in relation to human health, the environment and relevant stakeholders. While located at Campus Venlo, you will also be formally affiliated with the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), an interdisciplinary research centre aimed at integrating and modelling biological data from different empirical domains using data-driven as well as theory-driven analytical and modelling approaches. MaCSBio has been growing steadily since its foundation in 2015, and is well connected to other parts of Maastricht University. Because of this, MaCSBio has access to state-of-the-art laboratory and imaging infrastructure to generate experimental data, in addition to the new capacities being developed at Campus Venlo.

We are looking for a candidate with the ambition to reach a leading position in Systems, Computational or Synthetic Biology, experienced in the areas of multiscale modelling of biological systems (e.g. dynamic (ODE) models, genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs)), and/or machine learning of biological data (e.g. multi-omics data integration, imaging genomics, network biology). The search is broad, but the ideal candidate is expected to develop activities at the interface between the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and the Brightlands Future Farming Institute.  The candidate will strengthen the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology with a new plant-biology research line within the national Dutch priority area ‘Synthetic Biology'.

The successful candidate is expected to acquire externally funded research projects, lead and participate in interdisciplinary research teams, and pursue strategies to translate research results into innovation. You will participate in teaching and coordination of bachelor and master courses, in particular in the 2-year Master Programme in Systems Biology hosted by MaCSBio, and in new teaching programs developed at Campus Venlo.

Our ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in systems biology, computational biology, synthetic biology, applied mathematics, bioinformatics, or a related field;
• The ambition to reach a leading position in these areas;
• An excellent track record in scientific publications;
• A strong scientific network;
• Proven experience in the acquisition and management of externally funded research projects;
•  Experience in teaching and supervision of PhD candidates and BSc/MSc students. Maastricht University requires teaching staff to have the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or acquire this qualification preferably within the first two years;
• A personality characterized by collaboration, vision, and ambition;
• Fluency in the English language.

• We offer a rewarding career at a young university in the heart of Europe, with a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovative research and education;
• The salary will be set in salary scale 11 or 12 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (from € 3.974,- to € 6.181,- gross per month depending on experience and qualifications, based on a full-time appointment). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% year-end allowance;
• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, optional model for designing a personalised benefits package and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad.
• The nature of the initial appointment depends on qualifications and track record and may either be permanent or temporary with the intention of permanent appointment upon a mutually positive assessment.

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 www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

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.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The Faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3150 students gather to explore exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses 

Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen and Venlo, the homes of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening on each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to one of the largest chemistry and materials sites in Europe, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

Brightlands Future Farming Institute

The Brightlands Future Farming Institute focuses on the development of fruit and vegetables that are healthier for humans and grown in a more environmentally friendly way. It is all about innovation in agriculture and horticulture, also known as future farming. It aims at combining technology and botany to shore up the region’s innovative strength and contribute to the technological innovation that is needed to find answers to the major challenges in the agri-food sector.

Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology

Launched in 2015, the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio) aims to develop a set of computational and mathematical models and methods that will advance our understanding of biological systems, and predict the progression and treatment of complex diseases over time.  MaCSBio currently focusses on three research themes: Systems BioMedicine, Computational Neuroscience, Systems Toxicology.  The center lies at the interface of biology and computational modelling, developing and applying novel mathematical and computational multi-scale models and methods, and integrating human (multi)omics data with detailed phenotypic information. It runs the MU Master's programme on Systems Biology.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/Maastricht-centre-systems-biology

This position will be embedded in two research clusters within the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Maastricht University: the Brightlands Future Farming Institute (located at the Brightlands Greenport Campus Venlo) as well as and the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (located at the Brightlands Health Campus Maastricht). You will be stationed in Venlo for your daily work