Postdoctoral Researcher: Data for Regional Circular Transition
Help shape a fair and sustainable circular future.
The transition to a circular economy is one of the main societal challenges confronting society. The circular transition of society requires approaches where interdisciplinary knowledge development is closely connected to societal initiatives to improve the provision of mobility, housing, food, clothing in a sustainable and just way.
At the new Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE), you will explore how regional socio-economic dynamics can support circular strategies and interventions. Together with researchers and societal partners, you will generate actionable insights for a thriving region.
Our goal: Make regional circular transitions visible and measurable.
Your team: An interdisciplinary group of researchers and local partners at ERCE.
You will focus specifically on bringing together and analysing data on material flows, socio-economic and societal transition indicators. Providing regional stakeholders with an evidence-based overview of material flows and the dynamics that drive those flows is a key deliverable for ERCE.
This functions in part as a basis for future visioning, and part as monitoring actual progress. As data is currently collected by a range of entities, a main task of the postdoc will be to engage with such external data partners to ensure the responsible use of data wherever possible.
In addition, close collaboration with academics across UM is an important task to ensure that data is presented in meaningful ways. The postdoc will thus work across disciplines based on an inclusive definition of the circular economy/society and will help establish a strong culture of transdisciplinary work at ERCE.
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
- PhD in data science - or a related field.
- Experience with ecological, social and economic datasets – preferably with regional visualisation.
- Platform development and data infrastructure skills.
- Knowledge of the circular economy and key application domains.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- If not a native Dutch speaker, willingness to learn Dutch.
- Proactive and impact-oriented mindset.
Bonus: knowledge of the Limburg/Euregion area, entrepreneurial spirit.
What we offer
As Postdoctoral Researcher: Data for Regional Circular Transition 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 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4537,00 and €6209,00 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 48 months with a scope of 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. Frank Boons at f.boons@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Laura Daniels (Recruiter) at laura.daniels@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral Researcher: Data for Regional Circular Transition? Apply now, no later than 08/03/2025, for this position.
Please upload your CV, motivation letter and grade list.
The first interviews preferably take place on August 18, 19 or 20. The second interviews will preferably be held in the week after.
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.