Welcome to Maastricht University!
We seek a candidate who uses advanced neuroimaging to study brain–behavior mechanisms, with a focus on clinically relevant applications. The position is embedded within the Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology department and prioritizes research that examines how neural systems vary across the lifespan, are affected by disorders, and are modulated by pharmacological or other interventions. Rather than focusing solely on canonical cognitive neuroscience paradigms, we are particularly interested in approaches that capture individual variability, neurochemical processes, and clinically relevant brain dynamics.
Assistant Professor Neuroimaging
Our goal: The Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology focuses on the complex relationships between the brain and behavior. We have various research lines that address biological and psychological aspects in a life span perspective.
Your colleagues: You will work in an academic position within a dynamic and multidisciplinary research team. Together with your colleagues you will have the opportunity to play a role in innovation in education and research in neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. Furthermore, you will work in an inspiring environment at Maastricht University, where education and research are closely connected to societal impact.
What you do
- In this position, research and teaching are equally central: you will contribute to advancing the scientific profile of the section while playing an active and engaged role in our educational programs at Bachelor, Master, and Research Master levels.
- Your research will strengthen the department’s expertise in contemporary multimodal (f)MRI methodologies by applying advanced analytical and experimental approaches. This may include experience in areas such as connectomics, computational modeling, MR spectroscopy, precision or individualized fMRI, and naturalistic paradigms, and addressing methodological challenges in neuroimaging data. You will contribute to research involving clinical populations, including pharmacological and/or patient-based studies, or bring relevant transferable expertise to these domains.
- You will contribute substantially to teaching, including coordinating or delivering core courses, providing methodological skills training, supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis projects, and mentoring research internships. Educational innovation, supervision, and academic citizenship are regarded as integral to the role.
- You will actively strengthen the group through collaboration, open exchange of expertise, and a willingness to contribute to the department’s shared goals in both research and education
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
- Demonstrated expertise in contemporary multimodal (f)MRI methodology; contemporary (f)MRI methodology can include:
- Prior experience with advanced approaches in connectomics, including:
- dynamic functional connectivity or other time-resolved network analyses that capture temporal network dynamics in task or naturalistic contexts.
- computational or predictive modelling, such as encoding/decoding models, latent variable approaches, machine learning applied to neural data, or integration of connectivity within richer model-based frameworks
- methods for disentangling neural from haemodynamic or anatomical confounds in connectivity analyses, particularly in pharmacological, lesion, or neurodegenerative contexts
- Advanced MR Spectroscopy (MRS) methods, e.g. multi-voxel MRS, spectroscopic imaging, chemical shift imaging, quantification of neurochemical metabolites, and integration of MRS with fMRI to link neurochemical dynamics with functional network activity
- Precision / individualized fMRI, including deep scanning, individualized parcellation, and methods that improve within-subject mapping and reproducibility.
- Naturalistic neuroscience paradigms (e.g., movie-watching, narratives, immersive or ecologically valid tasks) that enable high-dimensional modelling of neural responses and reflect current developments in the field.
- Experience in clinical populations, including participants in pharmacological studies, or expertise applicable to the study of such groups. Demonstrated track record of conducting empirical neuroimaging research or interest in collecting new fMRI data
- Robust programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and working knowledge of modern neuroimaging and data-science toolkits, allowing the ability to keep up to date with new (analysis) methods
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to shared departmental expertise.
- A profile consistent with the Assistant Professor UFO profile as outlined in the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO NU).
- A completed PhD in neuroscience or a related field.
- Demonstrated independent research experience relevant to the position.
- Interest in teaching, lecturing and student supervision.
- (Preferably) possession of a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ (in Dutch: BKO)) or willingness to obtain it.
- Proficiency in English; Dutch proficiency or willingness to learn Dutch.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
- A 18-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction.
- A gross monthly salary between €4.728 and €6.433 (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 part-time. Teaching is done on campus.
- 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 Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Jan Ramaekers at [email protected].
The position is open until 18 June 2026. The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritised.
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.
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.
