PhD in Legal Psychology

Are you passionate about exploring the psychological complexities behind investigative interviewing? Then join us as a PhD student and research how we can prevent wrongful convictions and improve criminal justice practices.

Job Description
University College Maastricht (UCM) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student in Legal Psychology. In this position, you will explore the intersection of psychology and law, focusing on issues such as (false) confessions, police interview techniques, and the factors contributing to wrongful convictions. As a PhD student, you will have the freedom to propose and develop a specific research topic within these themes, under the close guidance of our experienced supervisors. This is an opportunity to contribute innovative, impactful research aimed at understanding and improving criminal investigative procedures with the ultimate goal of reducing the risk of miscarriages of justice.
UCM is the Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors College of Maastricht University that provides small-scale and personalized bachelor's education. At UCM, you will be part of a truly international yet close-knit academic community, working with students and staff from more than 50 countries; which makes for a vibrant and dynamic work place.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct original research on topics related to legal psychology.
• Collaborate with faculty and other researchers on interdisciplinary projects.
• Analyze data and present findings at conferences and in academic publications.
• Assist in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Participate in departmental activities and contribute to a vibrant academic community.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Psychology or Criminology (or equivalent).
• Experience with quantitative research methods, experimental design and data analysis.
• A pro-active mindset and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. 
• Ability to work systematically and project-oriented
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• A passion for understanding the intersection of psychology and law.
• Willingness to teach legal psychology related courses.

What we offer
As a PhD at Faculty of Science & Engineering, 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 P according to UFO profile PhD Candidate, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 and €3707,00 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. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• 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 Science and Engineering  
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development.  FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention.  The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).  At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!  
 

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.  
 

Department

The University College of Maastricht University is an international Liberal Arts and Sciences Honors College that specializes in Bachelor education for circa 800 academically passionate and highly motivated students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Drawing on the strengths of Maastricht University’s faculties and its own core staff, it offers its students close to 200 courses and an extensive skills training program, as well as a close-knit academic community. Academic freedom of choice and personal attention are hallmarks of the program. After completing their studies, many students go on to renowned graduate programs, and a wide range of careers.

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Jenny Schell-Leugers at jenny.schell@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD? Apply now, no later than November 26th, 2024, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, copies of academic degrees, representative work (e.g., a master thesis or publication) and a short research proposal (max. 500 words). 

The first interviews preferably take place on January 8th or 9th, 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.