Data Scientist

Job Description

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) is seeking a Data Scientist who is passionate about applying advanced data methods to real-world challenges faced by family-owned businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This role combines data-driven research and impactful analytics with a teaching component (0.2 FTE) focused on data literacy and digital transformation in entrepreneurial contexts.

The ideal candidate bridges the gap between data science and business practice—translating complex data into actionable insights for SMEs, while contributing to education and knowledge development in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Purpose of the Role
This role strengthens CEI’s capacity to develop and apply data-driven solutions for the specific needs of family firms and SMEs. You will contribute to research projects that leverage data analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence to better understand the behaviors, challenges, and success factors in these business contexts.

In addition, you will dedicate part of your time (0.2 FTE) to teaching and mentoring students—fostering critical thinking, digital skills, and a data-savvy mindset in future entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Core Activities

Research and Data Science

• Design and implement data-driven research projects focused on SMEs and family businesses (e.g., succession patterns, innovation readiness, financial health, or talent retention).
• Apply advanced analytics (e.g., predictive modelling, clustering, natural language processing, or network analysis) to support practice-based insights.
• Collaborate with researchers, entrepreneurs, and external stakeholders to co-create tools and dashboards tailored to the SME sector.

Data Infrastructure and Visualisation

• Develop or support the implementation of interactive dashboards and data platforms (e.g., using Power BI, Python, R, or Tableau).
• Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and responsible data practices in alignment with ethical and legal standards (e.g., GDPR).

Teaching and Student Engagement (0.2 FTE)

• Teach in entrepreneurship- and innovation-related programs with a focus on data literacy, digital decision-making, and applied analytics.
• Supervise student projects or theses that involve data collection and analysis within SME or family business contexts.
• Inspire students to use data as a driver for innovation and entrepreneurial impact.

Requirements
Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Data Science, Business Analytics, Econometrics, Information Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, modelling, and visualisation, preferably in an applied setting.
• Affinity with family businesses and/or SMEs—either through research, consultancy, or business collaboration.
• Teaching experience and/or interest in contributing to higher education in an applied university setting.

Skills and Competencies:

• Technically skilled in tools such as Python, R, SQL, LLM, and/or dashboarding platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Able to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong communicator, collaborator, and bridge-builder between disciplines.
• Familiar with or open to learning about practice-based research methods and SME dynamics.
• Professional proficiency in English; Dutch is a strong asset (minimum B2 level)

The ideal candidate:

• Combines strong technical know-how with curiosity about people, businesses, and social dynamics.
• Wants to make data work for entrepreneurs—not just study them.
• Enjoys working across the boundaries of research, practice, and education.

What we offer
As Data Scientist at School of Business and Economics, 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 9 according to UFO profile Education-/Research Officer, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3537,00 and €4860,00 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 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. If proven suitable, the employment contract can be extended, depending on availability of budget. 
• 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. 

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Anita van Gils at a.vangils@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Data Scientist? Apply now, no later than 03 June 2025 for this position. 

The first interviews preferably take place on 10 and 11 June 2025. The second interviews will preferably be held on 20 June 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.