Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you an ambitious post-doctoral researcher with an Open Science mindset who seeks to unravel the threads of visibility and invisibility of staff across research projects? For an Open Science NL funded research project “Invisible knowledge work and the transformation and scaling of open science practices” we are recruiting a post-doctoral researcher at Maastricht University.
Postdoctoral Researcher Invisible knowledge work in open science practices
- Our goal: This position seeks to highlight the relationship between visible and invisible open science labour. You will become part of a team that seeks to do this through 1) an inventory of backstage labour on which OS depends, 2) participant observation with those who perform it, 3) analysis of structural gaps in current reward systems, and 4) a combined qualitative/quantitative investigation of how invisible labour aids in scaling up OS practices. Our twofold objective is to understand how invisible labour transforms and scales up OS and to address how recognition practices might more equitably distribute visibility and recognition, ensuring that support staff are acknowledged as integral to open science.
- Your colleagues: The project is a collaboration between four Maastricht University Units: the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), and the University Library (UL). You will work with and in all four units, but will be employed by the department of Health, Ethics & Society at FHML.
Background of the research project
Visible knowledge workers (academics) depend on less visible colleagues (sometimes called ‘support staff’) for many research activities, including Open Science (OS) practices. Implementing open access policies requires librarians’ help, while sharing FAIR data cannot be achieved without data stewards’ expertise, for example. Policies to foster OS increasingly reward researchers for making their work “open”, yet the crucial work of librarians, data stewards, statisticians, and other “invisible technicians” is often effaced in dominant reward systems and narratives.
What you do
This mixed-methods research incorporates quantitative elements into a predominantly qualitative project. First come qualitative interviews with knowledge workers. You will document their experiences, labour, and role in the production of openness and open knowledge through in-depth semi-structured interviews and field observations of their work and interactions with institutional structures.
Second, you will study how, and how far, invisible knowledge workers have self-organised by identifying formal and informal platforms that represent them and/or facilitate communication among them. Formal platforms include ARMA (Association of Research Managers and Administrators), which has (inter)national chapters, and the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). We will also approach informal, local platforms such as WhatsApp groups or semi-institutionalised committees in, e.g., faculty and university councils or labour unions. This is completely unmapped open science territory.
Quantitatively, we will document the number of UM staff with specific UFO profiles over time, and we will document literature by UM authors to inventory their association with different open science practices. Combined, we seek to assess the scaling-up of open science practice supported through invisible knowledge work.
Are you ready to set the course for the years 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?
You are a highly motivated and ambitious researcher who brings a creative and innovative approach to your work. You are able to operate both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating strong organisational and communication skills. You are comfortable working in a dynamic research environment and are an effective team player who can engage in transdisciplinary collaboration with non-academic stakeholders. In addition, you show good communication and early leadership skills, and have a proven ability to manage complex projects to completion within set timelines.
Furthermore, you bring:
- PhD in science & technology studies, sociology (of science), anthropology (of science), library science or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
- Extensive experience with qualitative research methods, particularly interviewing and participant observation.
- Demonstrable interest in and affinity with quantitative research methods.
- Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
- A record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognised as contributing to your field.
- Affinity with developments around Open Science and Recognition & Rewards initiatives in (Dutch) academia.
- Excellent proficiency in English, both verbally and written.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 12-month contract (0,8 fte) with the prospect of a 1 year extension.
- A gross monthly salary between € 3.546 and € 5.538 (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 Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Project Leader Dr. Bart Penders via [email protected]. The end date of the publication is 30 June 2026.
First interview round of interviews will take place on 6 July 2026.
The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026.
Apply now via the button below. 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.
At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.
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.
