Assistant Professor Legal and Forensic Psychology

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you a legal or forensic psychologist with a strong research profile, passion for teaching, and commitment to societal impact? In the section Forensic Psychology, we examine psychological questions that arise in legal and forensic contexts, such as the reliability of testimony, and the detection of deception. We are looking for an Assistant Professor who will strengthen our research lines, contribute to high-quality education, and inspire the next generation of legal and forensic psychologists.

Assistant Professor Forensic Psychology 

Our goal: We are looking for an Assistant Professor in the area of legal or forensic psychology, ideally with post-doc and grant acquisition experience and a passion for teaching.

Your colleagues: The section Forensic Psychology consists of 12 permanent staff members, several internal and external PhD candidates and two postdoctoral candidates (see here for more information https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/fpn/forensic-psychology). 
Section staff members’ research interests span reliability of testimony, procedures in police investigation, detection of deception, decision-making processes in legal contexts, and forensic psychological assessment and treatment. | Some staff members work as expert witnesses in legal cases and provide training to the child protection services, police, and judges. | The section is responsible for the Master program in Forensic Psychology and the Master program Legal Psychology. 

What you do

As Assistant Professor within the section Forensic Psychology, you will contribute to advancing research and education in a dynamic and internationally oriented academic environment. You combine scientific excellence with a passion for teaching and actively contribute to the further development of the section.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct empirical research that fits within the section Forensic Psychology;
• Teach in the two-year Master program Forensic Psychology and the one-year Master Legal Psychology; you are a mentor in the Bachelor Psychology;
• Publish your research in (inter)national peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international scientific meetings;
• Supervise research at the bachelor, master, and PhD level;
• Make efforts to attract external and internal research funding;
• Endorse the principles of open science;
• Make positive contributions to the organization and cooperation within the section and faculty and have a strong proactive and collaborative approach;

The time allocation between teaching and research activities is approximately 50-50.

Are you ready to help shape the future of forensic psychology? Then we would love to meet you.

What you bring

• Academic expertise in forensic or legal psychology – You have a PhD degree in legal, forensic, or criminological psychology – or a related domain;
• Research experience beyond your PhD (in additional to during your PhD trajectory) in a relevant area and a track record in grant writing and acquisition are considered pros;
• Commitment to education – You have teaching experience in legal, forensic, or criminological psychology
• Student-centred approach – You have an affinity with problem-based learning and are willing to acquire the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• Collaborative and proactive – You enjoy working with colleagues from different disciplines, actively contribute to a positive academic culture and take initiative in research, teaching and organisational activities.
• Strong communication skills – You communicate effectively in English, both written and spoken. If you are not yet fluent in Dutch, you are willing to learn the language.

What we offer 
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A 18-month contract (1,0 fte) with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction. O
• A gross monthly salary between €4925,00 and €7573,00 (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 partly 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 Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.

Interested?

Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to contact Melanie Sauerland at melanie.sauerland@maastrichtuniversity.nl. 

Are you already convinced and ready to become our new Assistant Professor? Then apply for this position by 13 September. Interviews likely take place on 1 October 2026. The preferred starting date for this position is 1 January 2027. 

Please upload:

• Your motivation letter (max. 500 words)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list (APA format)
• Contact details of 2 references
• A statement of research interest. 
  

About Maastricht University
At 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.