Associate Professor in System and Network Security

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you an expert in System and Network Security, with a well-established track record and a strong ambition to advance research in this area? Are you eager to educate and mentor motivated students and upcoming Cybersecurity professionals? Then, the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is looking for you.

We are looking for a colleague to strengthen our research and educational initiatives on Cybersecurity. Within that scope, your focus will be on System and Network Security: you will bring in, share, and develop valuable expertise. You will be part of the ambitious Cybersecurity team, that operates at Maastricht University in Maastricht and at the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen. 

Associate Professor in System and Network Security

• Our goal: To drive innovation in Network Security by building on the department’s broad expertise in AI, data science, computer science, applied mathematics and robotics. 
• Your colleagues: You will join the Department of Advanced Compiting Sciences (DACS). DACS is an international community of approximately 100 researchers at various stages of their career, embedded in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). Our department has more than 30 years of experience in research and teaching in the fields of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, and Applied Mathematics. 

In this role, you will be active in high-impact research (that includes acquiring research funding, publishing, and supervising junior researchers) and high-quality teaching in our educational programs.

As our new colleague, you will collaborate with colleagues from the department, faculty, and university. Our research activities span the entire spectrum from curiosity-driven research to responsible societal applications, often taking on an interdisciplinary character. Cutting-edge contributions to areas such as computer systems, theoretical computer science, cybersecurity, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and FAIR principles are internationally recognized. DACS fosters intensive collaborations as well as a strong synergy between academia and business, and it maintains an industry network with over 80 private collaborators ranging from local SMEs to large multinationals. The department designs and develops data-driven solutions for a wide variety of business applications in sectors including transport and logistics, critical infrastructures, healthcare, and production and manufacturing. This way you can contribute to science and our society of tomorrow!

In addition to your research, you will contribute to our top-rated education. Our department offers two bachelor programs and two master programs, delivering top-level education in Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. You will have an important voice in further developing our education programs. 

If you see yourself fit for this and you are ready to make an impact in the area of Network Security, you should consider joining our Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS) as an Associate Professor in System and Network Security. DACS is an international community of approximately 100 researchers at various stages of their career, embedded in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). Our department has more than 30 years of experience in research and teaching in the fields of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, and Applied Mathematics.

Who are you? 
We seek a colleague who is passionate about research, who enjoys teaching, and has strong organizational skills. You feel at home in a strongly international, diverse, and cooperative community like ours. Furthermore, we are looking to welcome someone who fosters collaboration at all levels. 

Our ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in Computer Science or a strongly related field;
• A proven track record in system or network security and is ready to make the step to become Associate professor;
• A proven track record with funding acquisition at Dutch or European level;
• Experience in mentoring a team of junior researchers;
• A collaborative mindset;
• A strong and consistent track record in research and teaching.

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

We offer: 

• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE, with the option for a permanent contract upon good performance.
• A gross monthly salary between €6512,00 and €8673,00 (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 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 Science and Engineering (FSE)
FSE is a young, rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society converge. We combine STEM and social sciences in innovative programmes such as Data Science, Circular Engineering, and Systems Biology. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home 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 at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, 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.  

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Bart Mennink, Professor in Cryptography and Information Security, at bart.mennink@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Apply now, no later than 15/03/2026, for this position. 

Please upload the following documents:

• Research statement;
• Teaching statement;
• CV;
• List of publications;
• Contact information (names, e-mail addresses, and phone number) of two persons willing to provide references.
   

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.

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.