Post-Doctoral Researcher Big Data to Enhance Educational Quality

Are you interested in analysing big data with the goal to enhance the quality of higher education? Do you aspire to build your research experience and kick-off a new research line?

Job Description
We are looking for a motivated post-doctoral researcher to assist with starting a new research line on the use of big data sets (e.g. student evaluations of teaching and assessment) to enhance educational quality of higher education. We already collected quantitative and qualitative data on students’ experiences in the context of higher business and economics education over several years. We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher who has experience in and is driven to apply advanced analytical methods to investigate what this data can tell us about educational quality and how we can use insights from this data to improve educational quality. When selected for this position, you will work with an established research team on analysing, writing up, and sharing research findings with academic and practitioner audiences through (top-tier) academic publications, seminars, conferences and/or workshops. The specific focus of the project (incl. variables of interest) will be further determined together with the selected candidate.

The position is located within Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics, and specifically within the Department of Educational Research and Development. The project is set-up by an experienced research group with experience in educational research and educational quality assurance including Prof. Wim Gijselaers, Dr. Inken Gast and Dr. Laurie Delnoij.  

To summarise, your tasks in this role include: 

• Analysing a big data set based on survey research including quantitative and qualitative data.
• Writing up research papers for publication in (top-tier) academic journals.
• Presenting findings at seminars and conferences.
• Manage several concurrent research project timelines and ensure timely completion.
• Collaborate in intra- and inter-faculty taskforces on student evaluations of teaching.

Requirements
You will have completed a PhD in education, educational psychology, work and organisational psychology, economics of education, or related fields. You have experience in survey-based and big data research and an affinity with/interest in education. Ideally, you have experience with the academic publishing process in relevant field(s), along with well-developed conceptual reasoning, statistical analysis, presentation, and academic writing skills. In our research team, we value a collaborative approach to research characterised by open communication and acting as equals. You are expected to have an excellent command of English, mastery of (spoken) Dutch is encouraged.   
 
We look forward to your application showing us evidence of: 

• Your relevant PhD degree;
• Academic publishing experience; 
• Conceptual reasoning skills; 
• Statistical analysis skills using big data, for example multivariate analysis, structural equation modelling/path analysis;
• Presentation skills;
• Academic writing skills;
• Your English (and Dutch) proficiency.

 What we offer
As a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the 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 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4492,00 and €6148,00 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 (1.0 FTE), which might be longer depending on the working hours per week (with a scope of 0.5 - 1.0 FTE).
• 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 Dr. Inken Gast via i.gast@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Manon Jacobs (departmental office manager) at mmj.jacobs@maastrichtuniversity.nl or via +31433884830.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new post-doctoral researcher? Apply now, no later than November 3th, 2024, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, contact information of 2 referees, your dissertation, and publication list. 
 
The first interviews preferably take place on in the second half of November 2024. The second interviews will preferably be held in early December 2024. 
 
A reference check will be part of the application procedure. An assessment will be part of the application procedure.

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.