Assistant Professor in Language Development available in the Cognitive Neuroscience department

Job Description
Who we are and what we do
The Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) department is hosted at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) at Maastricht University (UM). CN’s international and collaborative research community, based in the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center (M-BIC), comprises 37 permanent staff members and around 60 temporary staff (PhD candidates and postdocs). Together we work across dedicated research lines investigating the neural processes that underlie human cognitive functions, including perception, attention, emotion, memory, learning, language and neurocognitive development. CN takes a unique approach to this endeavor by combining a variety of approaches to measure brain activity (e.g., using magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], electroencephalography [EEG], psychophysics) and to manipulate brain activity and overt behavior through non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and neurofeedback. We combine experimental skills with methodological development and theoretical or computational perspectives to investigate the neural correlates of cognitive processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. In addition to a fundamental approach, much of the research also links with applications. For example, within the “Brain and Language” group where this position will be based, applications include the early prediction of reading problems and the remediation of dyslexia.

What we hope to find in you
We are looking for an assistant professor who has a genuine interest in understanding individual differences in children’s language and reading development. Ideally, you have experience in behavioral and neuroimaging research (EEG, fMRI and/or MEG) and expertise in advanced statistical analysis and modeling techniques (e.g., growth curve modeling, machine learning, large language models). You have a strong motivation to conduct empirical research with children and adults and an interest in practical implications of research outcomes. You are enthusiastic about playing a central role within our dynamic research team (currently 6 PhD students, 1 postdoc, 1 lab manager, 2 profs).

We expect that you are passionate about research, and enjoy collaborating with scientists within and outside our department as well as with professionals in education and language related healthcare (e.g., dyslexia, developmental language disorder). Ideally, you have already shown the ability to acquire research funding on individual or collaborative grants.

We also hope you are an enthusiastic teacher, as the time commitment on the advertised position entails 50/50 teaching and research. As much as possible, your teaching will be organized such that it fits your research interests. Teaching can take place in our BSc in Brain Science, FPN’s Psychology bachelor, and FPN’s various (research) master programs, e.g., in Cognitive Neuroscience and Developmental Psychology. Guiding students in writing their bachelor or master thesis will also be an important part of your teaching role.

We are seeking to hire a team player with an open, effective management and communication style.

Requirements

• You have a PhD in (Developmental) Cognitive Neuroscience or a related field such as Cognitive psychology, Computational Neuroscience, Developmental science, Neuropsychology, Neuroscience;
• You have strong analytical skills and are interested in acquiring and analyzing behavioral and brain data on (a)typical language and reading development (e.g., dyslexia, developmental language disorder) in children and adults;
• You have hands-on expertise in behavioral and neuroimaging research (EEG, fMRI, and/or MEG), and affinity with advanced statistical analysis (e.g., growth curve modelling, machine learning, large language models);
• You have experience as a Postdoc, and possess a publication track record that shows aptitude in developmental/educational cognitive neuroscience research;
• You have demonstrated effort or (ideally) success in obtaining research funding;
• You enjoy and promote interdisciplinary team science and knowledge exchange (focus groups, lectures etc.) within and beyond academia (e.g., education, dyslexia/DLD healthcare);
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) are essential. Basic Dutch understanding and speaking skills, or a willingness to learn, are a considerable advantage;
• You are an experienced and enthusiastic teacher and have demonstrated skills in teaching.

What we offer
As Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, 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 11 according to UFO profile assistant professor (level 2), with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4537,00 and €6209,00 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.
• You will be employed temporarily for 12 months, with a scope of 1.0 FTE and will co-develop and agree to specific development goals. Towards the end of this contract period and upon satisfactory performance, this initially 12 months position will become permanent.
• 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. For more information, click here.

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 Psychology and Neuroscience
The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) is an international faculty with students and staff from various cultural backgrounds, who are connected by their shared curiosity about human behaviour and our brains.   

This curiosity inspires us to explore the wide field of psychology from different perspectives (such as a biological and cognitive viewpoint). By using small-scale and student-centred methods, such as problem-based learning and project-based learning, we encourage a similar kind of curiosity in our students, as we provide them with the tools to discover the world of the human brain.  

 
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Milene Bonte via m.bonte@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Assistant Professor? 

Please submit your application by March 24, 2025 including:

• A motivation letter;
• Your CV;
• Contact of 2 references. 

Selected candidates will be invited for 1 or 2 interviews that are expected to be held in April-May.
 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

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.