Assistant Professor in European Political History

Europe’s past is characterised by continuous change, conflict, and cooperation — and understanding that past is essential to shaping its future. At Maastricht University, we explore how ideas of democracy, integration, and peace have evolved across borders and generations. As an Assistant Professor in European Political History since 1900, you’ll contribute to this shared mission: connecting historical insight with contemporary debates about Europe’s role in the world.

Join a university that values curiosity, collaboration, and critical reflection in everything we do.

• We aim to strengthen our expertise in modern European political history and advance interdisciplinary research on democracy, European integration, and Europe’s place in the world.

• You will join the Department of History and the Research Program Europe:
  Society, Politics and Global Order at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). Our community brings together historians, political scientists, philosophers and memory scholars who explore Europe’s past and present through collaborative and comparative research.

You will contribute to the teaching in a variety of BA and MA programs at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, such as the BA programs in European Studies and Arts and Culture, the Research Master and the MA program in European Studies and in Arts and Culture. Teaching tasks include tutoring, coordinating, and lecturing courses as well as supervising internships and BA and MA theses.

At the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, teaching and research duties follow the regular division of 60% teaching and management and 40% research. The research time can be extended through external fundraising.

We’re not looking for check boxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• Expert in European political history. Your research focuses on the political history of Europe since 1900, including themes such as democratisation, European integration, international cooperation, colonialism or war and peace.
• Interdisciplinary thinker. You connect empirical historical research with wider theoretical and societal debates, and you enjoy working across disciplinary boundaries.
• Focus on transnational perspectives. A specific interest in Europeanisation and transnational perspectives is particularly welcome.
• Experienced researcher. You have an excellent record of international, peer-reviewed publications and are motivated to develop collaborative grant proposals.
• Engaged scholar. You actively share your insights beyond academia and contribute to public debates about Europe’s role in the world.
• Inspiring teacher. You have demonstrated experience in course coordination, teaching innovation, and thesis supervision. You encourage active student participation and value team teaching within our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system.
• Collegial and community-minded. You contribute to our academic environment through openness, collaboration, and a willingness to take on shared responsibilities.
• Multilingual communicator. You are fluent in English (C2 level, written and spoken). Non-Dutch speakers are expected to acquire an intermediate level of Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A 18-month contract 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.
• 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,…