Assistant Professor Science, Technology and Society Studies

Welcome to Maastricht University! 
Are you passionate about research and teaching in the vibrant, interdisciplinary field of Science, Technology and Society (STS)? At Maastricht University, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and inspiring education in an international and collaborative academic environment.
 

Assistant Professor Science, Technology and Society Studies

• Our goal: The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) aims to advance interdisciplinary research and education on societal challenges in times of transition. Within this vacancy, you will contribute to the Maastricht University Science, Technology and Society (MUSTS) research programme. Within the MUSTS research programme, we delve into the following key areas: responsible innovation, energy and environmental humanities, sound and other sensory studies, social studies of medicine, philosophy of technology. MUSTS is a highly interdisciplinary group hosting methods and approaches drawn from history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and STS. 
• Your colleagues: You will join the Department of Society Studies (DSS), a dynamic department of approximately 45 members working in the fields of Science, Technology and Society studies and Globalisation and Development research. Within DSS, the MUSTS research programme brings together researchers from history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and STS, fostering a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative academic community.

As Assistant Professor, you will play a key role in strengthening the research and teaching profile of STS at FASoS. You will contribute to high-quality interdisciplinary research, attract external funding, and actively engage in teaching and academic service at the faculty.

What you do

• Conduct and contribute to research within the interdisciplinary MUSTS research programme;
• Develop (inter)national research projects and attract external research funding;
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive research culture within MUSTS, the Department of Society Studies, and FASoS;
• Teach, develop, and coordinate courses in BA and MA programmes, including the MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (ESST), the BA European Studies, and the BA Arts and Culture;
• Supervise internships, projects, and BA and MA theses;
• Take on administrative and leadership roles within the faculty;

Are you ready to help shape research and education for the years ahead? Then we would like to meet you.

What you bring 

We are interested in who you are and what you contribute as a scholar and educator. Do you recognise yourself in the following profile?

• Strong STS research profile. You have an excellent research track record in Science, Technology and Society studies, with a clear focus on sustainability and environmental challenges, including their infrastructural, technological, political, knowledge, and/or material dimensions.
• Methodological expertise.You bring extensive social science methodological skills, particularly in qualitative approaches such as interviews, historical document analysis, controversy studies, community-oriented research, and (multi-species) ethnography.
• Teaching excellence and engagement. You are enthusiastic about teaching at both BA and MA level, with experience in STS education, course development, thesis supervision, and teaching in international classrooms. You are able to stimulate student learning and to maximize student participation in our system of small-scale Problem Based Learning (PBL). A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) is preferred. 
• Academic citizenship and collaboration. You actively contribute to the STS community through publications, conference participation, and involvement in professional associations, and you value collaboration and open science.
• Professional qualifications and mindset. You hold a PhD in an interdisciplinary STS-related field, have postdoctoral experience, publish in highly regarded STS journals, are fluent in English (C1 level), and are willing to learn Dutch (B1 level). You are prepared to relocate to the Maastricht region and support UM’s core values of academic citizenship, team performance, and personal and professional leadership.

What we offer

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

•  A 18-month contract with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 4,728 and € 6,433 (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 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 Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS)
FASoS is a close-knit, international community of thinkers, doers, and connectors. We offer interdisciplinary education in cultural and social sciences, and our research focuses on societies in transition. Creativity and collaboration are central; ranging from European integration, digitalization, and culture to innovative educational projects. FASoS is small-scale, informal, and diverse, with room to follow your own path.

Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to contact Prof.dr. Anique Hommels, Head of Department of Society Studies for more information (a.hommels@maastrichtuniversity.nl). If you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Manon Souren (Recruiter) at manon.souren@maastrichtuniversity.nl. You can also apply directly using the button below.  

Please upload your CV (including your publication list), motivation letter, and contact information of two referees. 

The first interviews preferably take place in early March. The second interviews will preferably be held in early April. The preferred starting date of the selected candidate is August 15, 2026.
A reference check will be part of the application procedure. 

We look forward to getting to know you!

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.