Professor Professional Learning

Job Overview

Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE) is looking for a Professor in Professional Learning who will lead, guide and inspire the Department of Educational Research and Development (ERD).

In an environment committed to high-quality research, research-based education, and evidence-based consultancy, the new Head will be a role model and will chair the department’s Management Team to achieve positive outcomes in research, education, educational development, and outreach.

The Head holds responsibility for cultivating and developing the department’s personnel within a positive, collaborative and inclusive academic work environment. Holding budget responsibility, the Head also maintains a financially and administratively well‑run department.

The Head is an active member of SBE’s senior management team and should therefore ensure the department’s contribution to the development and execution of SBE’s overall strategy. Furthermore, the Head will actively stimulate, initiate, and intensify collaboration and cooperation of the ERD department with the other departments and institutes in SBE and beyond.

The Head is expected to contribute to SBE’s teaching in BSc courses, the MSc programme Learning and Development in Organizations, and post‑graduate UMIO programmes. In addition, the Head will contribute to the Learning Academy and SBE’s Education Institute, both by participating in key educational and professional development activities, and by providing strategic support to the LA Director to ensure alignment with ERD and SBE‑wide priorities.

Finally, the Head will contribute to the further development of ERD as a leading academic department within SBE.

• A PhD in a field related to Learning and Development.
• Demonstrated experience in managing an academic group, and in motivating and inspiring departmental staff through interpersonal, intercultural, and leadership skills focused on connecting, developing, and empowering individuals.
• Forward‑thinking, goal‑oriented, and an effective communicator and team player, with an affinity for inclusivity, sustainable staff development, and curiosity about the purposes and methods of SBE’s academic disciplines.
• A strong international reputation as a researcher as demonstrated by publications in highly‑ranked journals in the fields of Education, Learning and Development. Having published in multiple fields related to professional learning is a plus.
• A proven track record in student‑centred learning approaches. Enthusiasm for Problem Based Learning (PBL) is required, experience in PBL settings is a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in education and educational leadership, including curriculum development, innovative teaching practices, and fostering educational quality across programs.
• Clear interest in developing the outreach of the Department and the School, by having obtained (inter) national research grants (e.g. NWO, ERC), through establishing multidisciplinary collaboration and increasing the societal impact of scientific research.
• A clear vision on future developments in research and educational innovation as relevant fields of the ERD department.
• An extensive international academic network together with a broad network of collaboration in (professional) practice.
• Open‑mindedness and a demonstrated ability to collaborate, work, and lead research across disciplines, fostering a collegial and socially supportive academic culture.
• Experience in and commitment to contributing to the Learning Academy and other educational development initiatives, both through active involvement in educational activities and by providing strategic guidance.
• Ability to inspire academics and to lead scientific and industrial projects involving many diverse actors.

• A temporary role as Head of Department for the period of three years, with the possibility to extend this term once.
• A permanent contract (with a probation period of 2 months) for 1 FTE as Professor H2 or H1, depending on academic merits in research, education, leadership and outreach.
• Salary scale depending on qualifications and work experience, based on our Collective…