PhD Candidates on Addressing Skill Imbalances in VET Occupations
Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you an economist, sociologist, social or data scientist who recently graduated or is about to graduate? Are you passionate about academic research that helps us understand how to keep Vocational Education and Training (VET) responsive to labour market demands? Then we have the right vacancy for you!
PhD Candidates on Addressing Skill Imbalances in VET Occupations
- Our goal: Understand and address skill imbalances in vocational education and training (VET).
- Your colleagues: An international network of researchers at ROA, SBE, and partner institute BIBB.
In Germany and the Netherlands vocational education and training (VET) plays a pivotal role in preparing students for careers that are essential to our society and labour market. From the energy transition to healthcare and housing, VET graduates are at the heart of major societal challenges. At the same time, labour shortages remain high, and demand for VET skills continues to grow—varying across regions and sectors.
As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to research that helps better understand these dynamics. You will be based at the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) within the School of Business and Economics (SBE), and collaborate closely with the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in Germany. Together, you will explore how education systems and labour markets can better align.
We are recruiting for two PhD candidates for projects on the following topics:
- Firm-level VET demand and matching processes
What determines firms’ demand for VET skills, and how do firms match VET skill supply to these demands? How do firms shape their lifelong learning policy when VET skills need to be updated? How do VET students react to the demand for skills in their field-of-study choice, e.g., when they perceive that some skills are in high demand? This project focuses on firm behaviour, skill needs and matching mechanisms in the labour market.
- Regional images, mobility perceptions, and VET outcomes
How do regional images and perceptions influence mobility decisions and the attractiveness of regions for VET entrants and VET graduates? Are these dominated by the image of a region in general, or by particular sectors of industry, (big) firms or VET institutions within a region? To what extent do these perceptions – beyond objective labour market conditions – shape regional imbalances in VET outcomes? This project takes a more normative perspective, focusing on how regions are perceived and how these perceptions affect mobility and labour market matching.
In your application, you are invited to submit a short research statement (1 page) outlining how you would approach one of these topics, starting from theoretical insights, how you would deal with the main question of the project using survey, administrative or (field) experimental data.
You will become part of an active research community and contribute to international networks of leading scholars. You will spend time at both ROA and BIBB, participate in the Maastricht Graduate School of Business and Economics (MGSBE), and contribute to teaching activities such as tutorials and MSc thesis supervision.
Are you ready to explore complex societal questions and develop your research career? We would love to meet you.
What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about who you are and what you bring. Do you recognise yourself in this?
- Curious and driven – You are motivated to conduct research and explore complex societal challenges.
- Strong academic foundation – You hold (or are close to completing) an MSc in economics, social science, or data science.
- Analytical and quantitative – You enjoy working with data and applying empirical methods to answer research questions.
- Research-oriented mindset – You aim to publish in high-quality academic journals and contribute to scientific knowledge.
- Skilled communicator – You express ideas clearly in writing and speech, in an academic context.
- Technically proficient – You have experience with statistical software such as Stata, R, or SPSS.
- Interdisciplinary interest – You are interested in combining economics with insights from social or work psychology.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 18-month contract of 1 FTE with the prospect of a 2.5 year extension, based on mutual satisfaction.
- A gross monthly salary starting from €3059,00 towards €3881,00 in 4 years (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).
- 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. You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs and a relocation reimbursement. You have to be willing to participate in activities of the PhD programmes of the Maastricht Graduate School of Business and Economics and the BIBB.
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact dr. Katarina Wessling (k.wessling@maastrichtuniversity.nl) in case of questions on the two positions.
Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate on Addressing Skill Imbalances in VET Occupations? Apply now, no later than May 5th 2026 for this position.
To apply, send us the following information:
1. Your motivation letter.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Your research statement (1 page).
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
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.
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.