Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in MR Methods for Cognitive Neuroscience

Job Description
The MR Methods for Neuroscience group has a vacancy for UD (Assistant Professor) with strong emphasis on MR methods development. This vacancy is for a 50/50 full time position, with one half of the time spent on research activities, and the other half on teaching related activities. The MR Methods group is part of the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience within the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (see below). The new hire will strengthen our activities in ultra-high field MRI methods development of anatomical and functional UHF imaging, and contribute to its methodsfocused application to cognitive or clinical neuroscience research. The MR Methods group is led by Prof Benedikt Poser and is part of the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience within the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The MR Methods group is engaged in the development of methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional (f)MRI including pulse sequences, image reconstruction and image analysis. These methods aim to improve high-quality MR imaging of structure and function of the in vivo human brain and its underlying biophysical processes. The group has a specific focus on highresolution functional and anatomical MRI, Cartesian and non-Cartesian non-BOLD fMRI methods, and advanced image reconstruction. Most emphasis lies on the use of ultra-high field MRI.

What we hope to find in you
The successful candidate will bring a strong knowledge of MRI, and prior experience with UHF MRI in 
particular. Motivation to seek funding to develop their own research line a within this scope is 
expected. The ideal candidate will also be eager to work collaboratively with the other groups in the 
department, the faculty, and other centers within and beyond Maastricht University.

We have at our disposal Siemens 3T Prisma FIT and 7T Magnetom+ scanners, currently housed by Scannexus BV at Maastricht University. The 7T (VE12U software, SC72 body gradients) features the usual sTx and pTx (8x2kW) capabilities and Nova head coils, and additionally a large of peripheral equipment for neuroscience research and methods development. This includes Skope field camera, additional local and non-proton coils, eye tracker, EEG and tVNS setup. Replacement of the two scanners is under consideration. 

Requirements

• A PhD in MR Physics, Computer Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering or a related field with a strong focus on structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. 
• Knowledge of methodological skills and track record of publications in working with Ultra-High Field MRI (anatomical and/or functional imaging, application of pTx) and its application to cognitive or clinical neuroscience research. This includes understanding of MR physics and contrast mechanisms, strong programming skills (C++, Python, Matlab), experience with software tools for image processing and analysis, and ideally experience with MR sequence programming and image reconstruction.
• Willingness to establish scientific independence and (preferably already experience with) the acquisition of grant funding to lead scientific projects and research teams.
• Willingness and positive attitude towards establishing close collaborations with other research groups in the department, across research institutes and among and beyond our Faculty and University.
• Preferably experience in the co-supervision of PhDs and Master students. 
• Experience with teaching at Bachelor and Master level, ideally familiarity with the PBL (problem-based learning) system as used at Maastricht University.
• Readiness to engage in teaching activities, e.g. development, coordination and delivery of courses at Bachelor and Master level.
• Possession of the Dutch Basic University Teaching Qualification (BKO/UTQ, or foreign equivalents), or a willingness to acquire this within 24 months of employment through the training program provided by the faculty.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English. 
• A positive, flexible and constructive working attitude.

What we offer
As Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, 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 Lecturer/Assistant Professor, function level 2 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.
• You will be employed temporarily for 12 or 18 months (depending on your employment history), with a scope of 1.0 FTE and will co-develop and agree to specific development goals. Towards the end of this contract period and upon proven suitability, this initially 12 or 18 months position will be converted to an indefinite contract. 
• 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. 

Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) is an international faculty with students and staff from various cultural backgrounds, who are connected by their shared curiosity about human behaviour and our brains.   

This curiosity inspires us to explore the wide field of psychology from different perspectives (such as a biological and cognitive viewpoint). By using small-scale and student-centred methods, such as problem-based learning and project-based learning, we encourage a similar kind of curiosity in our students, as we provide them with the tools to discover the world of the human brain.  

 
Cognitive Neuroscience Department – Who we are and what we do 
The Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) department is hosted at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) at Maastricht University (UM). CN’s international and collaborative research community, based in the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center (M-BIC), comprises 37 permanent staff members and around 60 temporary staff (PhD candidates and postdocs). Together we work across dedicated research lines investigating the neural processes that underlie human cognitive functions, including perception, attention, emotion, memory, learning, language and neurocognitive development. CN takes a unique approach to this endeavor by combining a variety of approaches to measure brain activity (e.g., using magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], electroencephalography [EEG], psychophysics) and to manipulate brain activity and overt behavior through non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and neurofeedback. We combine experimental skills with methodological development and theoretical or computational perspectives to investigate the neural correlates of cognitive processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Benedikt Poser at benedikt.poser@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Tenure Track Assistant Professor? Apply now, no later than 10 June 2025, for this position.

To apply, submit the following documents, composed into a single pdf file:

1. your CV on 3 pages max;
2. a statement describing your research interests, personal qualifications, and motivation on 5 pages max;
3. the names and contact information of two references who have previously agreed to be contacted.

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.