Associate professor Epidemiology

Job Description 
The research program ‘Occupational Epidemiology’ (dept. of Epidemiology, Maastricht University) focuses on the mutual relationship between health, wellbeing and labor participation. Using an epidemiological approach, etiology, natural course and treatment of different health complaints and diseases in the working population are studied. The primary goal of the research program is to expand the knowledge on health in relation to labor participation to contribute to the increased need of evidence-based (occupational) medicine. The research program aims to develop tools and strategies for prevention, treatment, and socio-medical counselling of employees. By doing so, it seeks to improve health, wellbeing, and labor participation while reducing sick leave and work disability rates in the Netherlands. 

We are seeking the future successor of the current program leader of this research program. Our ideal candidate is a mid-career academic who can be appointed directly as an associate professor with potential for promotion to full professor. The candidate will take on the role of program leader for the research program Occupational Epidemiology within the department of Epidemiology and will also represent the research program in the research line ‘Functioning, Participation & Rehabilitation of the research institute CAPHRI. 

The candidate will be responsible for the coordination, development, and execution of ongoing and future research projects, as well as teaching roles in the broad field of methodology and occupational epidemiology. The intended ratio between teaching and research is 50%-50%. Specific duties include: 

• Contributing to and shaping the research agenda of occupational epidemiology. 
• Supervising students and PhD candidates in the field of occupational epidemiology. 
• Utilizing expertise to inform policy development and provide advisory services. 
• Attracting, initiating, and leading research projects to successful completion. 
• Establishing and nurturing sustainable partnerships within and beyond the research school on a regional, national and international level. 
• Developing, coordinating, managing and executing of educational activities in Bachelor/Master courses related to epidemiology, as well as occupational 
  epidemiology. 

Job Requirements
We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background in the field of occupational epidemiology, who has a genuine passion for both science and education. You thrive in innovative environments and are driven by a commitment to excellence and meaningful impact. 
Below are the qualifications we consider important for the position. 

Education

• A PhD degree in a relevant field, such as (occupational) health, occupational epidemiology, or a related subject within occupational medicine/insurance medicine. 

Expertise and skills in research 

• In-depth knowledge of work and health in general, with a particular focus on functioning and participation in work.
• Broad expertise in epidemiology, with a strong focus on cohort studies and observational research. 
• Relevant research experience within the field of occupational epidemiology, demonstrated through your track record (including publications, projects, supervision, and ability to attract funding). 
• Knowledge of occupational health care within the Dutch context is an advantage. 
• A good scientific track record, including excellent publications as first, second, or last author in the top 10%-25% international peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven ability and experience in supervising MSc/BSc students and PhD candidates within this research area.
• Practical experience in conducting research within real-world settings. 

Expertise and skills in teaching 

• A lecturer with a strong track record in teaching. 
• Demonstrated affinity, vision and experience with developing, organizing and teaching in university Bachelor/Master courses. 
• A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ), an equivalent certification or the willingess to obtain this within a year. 

Management skills 

• Management skills to effectively lead the Occupational Epidemiology research program and coordinate projects. 
• Experience in or willingness to taking on leadership roles within a university setting.
• Proven administrative experience within the university, at both department and research institute levels. 

Network and ability to attract funding 

• A strong national and international professional network. 
• Demonstrated ability to attract funding, both nationally and/or within the EU. 

Personal qualities and talents 

• Personal Leadership: You take responsibility for your work and career, demonstrating a high level of self-awareness. 
• Team Spirit: You are able to integrate with teams, contributing to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and fostering an open and inclusive work environment. 
• Networking Skills: You are proactive in strengthening and expanding your connections with stakeholders in the field, both nationally and internationally. 
• Flexibility and Adaptability: You are able to adjust your research focus based on developments in society, work, and health. 
• Managing Conflicting Interests: You are skilled at navigating and balancing conflicting scientific and societal interests in research. 

Language 

• An excellent command of both written and spoken Dutch and English (both C1 level). 

If you recognize yourself in most of these qualities, we would be thrilled to receive your application.

What we offer
As an Associate professor at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, 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 13 - 14 according to UFO profile Associate professor, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €6286,00 and €8405,00 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.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract. 
• 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 Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total. 

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).  FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
 

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Epidemiology
You will work within the Department of Epidemiology of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Teaching and research within Epidemiology is focused on developing, improving and validating methods and strategies to improve public health, as well as human well-being. These include etiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease. The department employs approximately 20 lecturers teaching within various Bachelor and Master courses within FHML. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. IJmert Kant, Unit leader Occupational Epidemiology via ij.kant@maastrichtuniversity.nl or Prof. dr. Rob de Bie, chairman of the selection committee via ra.debie@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Associate professor? Apply now, no later than August 17th, 2025, for this position.

The first job interviews take place between 1-3 September 2025 
The second job interviews take place between 15-17 September 2025.

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.