Supporting ITEM's Interreg Projects: Cross-Heat, Schakelpunt & other Cross-Border Projects

Welcome to Maastricht University! 
Are you curious, analytical, and keen to develop your skills at the intersection of science and policy? Do you want to have impact in the cross-border region? Then we would love to meet you. 

Position available to work closely with ITEM team on Interreg Projects Cross-Heat, Schakelpunt and other cross-border project activities 

• Our goal: 
  ITEM has been around for more than 10 years and works on cross-border issues. ITEM is involved in different Interreg projects. The main activity of the position will be to be active in the projects Cross-Heat and Schakelpunt Flanders-Netherlands. Cross-Heat is a project dealing with future options of cross-border heat exchange at the municipalities of Kerkrade, Landgraaf and Herzogenrath. ITEM will be in charge of an analysis of legal, administrative and governance conditions that could enable or hinder cross-border cooperation with respect to district heating. The Schakelpunt project deals with border obstacles at the Dutch-Flemish border. There, one important aspect of the assignment will be to analyse together with the ITEM colleagues all kinds of border obstacles that are officially sent to the Schakelpunt. This also means building up contacts in responsible administrations, experts and discussing the cases. The final ITEM analysis has to lead to recommendations for the political level in order to overcome border obstacles. We are searching for a colleague (researcher or policy advisor) who has a special interest in cross-border relations, cross-border governance and legal instruments. 
  
  The work of ITEM is diverse and dynamic. This requires a flexible and open mindset, being open for a broader variety of different policy fields.
  
  
• Your colleagues: you will work in a small team consisting of different disciplines.

What you do

• The main activity of the position will be to work on the research projects Cross-Heat and Schakelpunt Flanders-Netherlands funded by Interreg.
• In Schakelpunt you will be analysing together with the ITEM colleagues all kinds of border obstacles that are officially sent to the Schakelpunt. This also means building up contacts in responsible administrations, experts and discussing the casesResponsibility/activity.
• Other possible cross border project activities.

Are you ready to set the course for the 1,5 year ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring 
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• Curious researcher – You have (almost) graduated in law, political sciences, European studies, or related field.
• Strong analytical foundation – You have excellent analytical skills and can work accurately.
• Language skills – You are fluent in both Dutch and English, both written and spoken. German or French is an advantage. The work in the framework of the Schakelpunt project is mainly done in Dutch. The working language of Cross-Heat is English, however Dutch and German are relevant as well.
• Responsible and meticulous – You maintain an overview, are good at planning, and work reliably under time pressure.
• You have an open and flexible mind-set.
• Team player – You enjoy working with colleagues and clients in an interdisciplinary environment, across borders and across different sectors.
• Relevant disciplines: Law, Political Science, European Studies or related field.

What we offer 
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• A 18-month contract temporarily basis.
• A gross monthly salary between €3708,00 and €5538,00 (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), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• 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. 

About the Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at Maastricht University offers high-quality and challenging education at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. A pioneer in small-scale teaching and legal skills training for future legal professionals. Our research focuses on Dutch, European, and international aspects of law, law and technology, and the empirical dimension of law. The faculty values its open and inclusive community, making it a pleasant working and learning environment for staff and students.

ITEM, as a faculty institute and expertise center conducts interdisciplinary research in the context of cross-border Euroregional mobility and cooperation issues. Here, particular attention is paid to practical solutions. This starts from an interdisciplinary perspective, from which research takes place at the legal, economic, cultural, and administrative levels. This is all done in cooperation with the various faculties within Maastricht University. Through both small-scale contract research and also extensive annual reports, ITEM tackles the issues surrounding the internationalization of the world and its impact on border regions. Our research revolves around translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Anja van Bogaert at al.vanbogaert@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31433882665. You can also apply directly using the button below.  

An assessment or a reference check can be part of the procedure.  
The dates of the interviews are scheduled on 16th or 18th of December 2025.

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

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.