Assistant Professor Conservation & Museum Studies – UM NL

About Position/Job

Maastricht University (UM) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Conservation and Museum Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), based in Maastricht, Netherlands. This tenure-track position focuses on the conservation of contemporary art and contemporary museum studies, including decision-making in museums, artists’ legacies, and decolonisation and inclusive practices in conservation curricula.

The role is embedded within the Literature and Art Department, the Arts, Media, and Culture (AMC) research program, and the Maastricht Centre for Arts, Culture, Conservation, and Heritage (MACCH). You will contribute to both BA and MA teaching, including Arts and Culture programs, and advance field-leading research in conservation and museum studies, collaborating with local, national, and international partners. This position aligns with the Nationale Wetenschapsagenda Erfgoed 2026–2030 and emphasises interdisciplinary, socially engaged, and collaborative research in the arts and heritage sector.

Position/Job Details

Position: Assistant Professor in Conservation and Museum Studies
Institution: Maastricht University
Department: Literature and Art Department, FASoS
Research Field: Conservation, Museum Studies, Heritage Science, Arts Management
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Number of posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Tenure-track
Start Date (Anticipated): Flexible
Working Hours: 36 hours per week
Salary Range: €4,728 – €6,433 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Conservation of Contemporary Art
Museum Studies and Curatorial Practices
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Arts Management and Digital Heritage
Inclusive and Ethical Conservation Practices
Interdisciplinary Heritage Research

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Conservation, Museum Studies, Arts, or related disciplines
Strong expertise in the conservation of contemporary art and museum studies
Proven interdisciplinary research and fieldwork experience
Growing publication record in internationally recognised journals
Teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels
Excellent English proficiency (C1) and willingness to acquire Dutch (B1 within 3 years)

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in collaborative grant proposals
Engagement with museums, cultural organisations, and local communities
Innovative teaching methods and supervision experience in the PBL system

Key Responsibilities

Deliver BA and MA teaching, supervise theses, and coordinate courses
Conduct cutting-edge research in conservation and museum studies
Publish in leading journals and present at conferences
Collaborate with colleagues across departments and external partners
Contribute to Sector Plan objectives in Cultural Heritage and Identity
Engage students and the academic community in inclusive, interdisciplinary practices

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online: Apply Here

Required Documents:

PhD degree certificate
Full CV (with publication list, teaching, funding, management, outreach)
Motivation letter (2–3 pages)
Research and teaching statement
Teaching evaluations (if available)
Writing sample (published article/book chapter preferred)
Contact information of up to three academic referees

Motivation letter and research/teaching statement should:

Explain your fit for the Assistant Professor position
Demonstrate experience in interdisciplinary, ethical, and socially engaged research
Highlight teaching innovation and contribution to the academic community