WELCOME TO MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

The world is rapidly changing, and we’re growing along with it to meet this change. Your work makes a difference here, whether you’re exploring the future as a researcher, inspiring students in the classroom, or helping shape everything that makes our education and research possible.
Our goal: To advance leadership development through state-of-the- art research.
Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary, dynamic and international team within the Department of Organisation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship (OSE), led by Dr. Sonja Zaar.
In this postdoc position (two years at minimum), you will explore innovative approaches to leadership development. Your main responsibility will be to cooperate in research on leadership cognition and identity, learning processes, and development interventions. You will co-create studies, analyse data, and publish in high-impact journals. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, you will translate research insights into practical applications. Teaching and master thesis supervision is also part of this position.
You will work closely with faculty members, fellow researchers, and external partners focused on leadership science and practice. The team fosters an open and collaborative environment, combining academic rigor with real-world impact.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research and designing studies;
• Co-authoring papers and publishing findings;
• Collaborating with stakeholders from academia and practice;
• Supporting leadership development interventions and training;
• Teaching duties, such as tutoring and master thesis supervision.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

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.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research and designing studies;
• Co-authoring papers and publishing findings;
• Collaborating with stakeholders from academia and practice;
• Supporting leadership development interventions and training;
• Teaching duties, such as tutoring and master thesis supervision

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you contribute. Do you recognise yourself in the following?

• Academically grounded – You hold a PhD in leadership, learning and development, cognitive psychology, organisational behaviour or a related field.
• Analytical and research-driven – You have a sharp eye for complex issues and can turn them into meaningful research.
• Experienced in qualitative methods – You’re proficient in interviews, focus groups, observations, and analysis using tools like NVivo or Atlas.ti.
• Strong writing skills – You have experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals and conducting systematic literature reviews.
• Practically minded – You can translate research insights into usable interventions or programmes.
• Effective communicator – You engage easily with researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders.
• Team player with initiative – You work independently but actively seek collaboration and are open to feedback