PhD Candidate in Smart Industry Labour Markets at Maastricht University Maastricht University in Netherlands

Maastricht University is advertising a fully funded PhD Candidate position in Smart Industry Labour Markets within the NWO-funded Smart Skills @ Scale (S@S) consortium. The project focuses on how labour market institutions and policies shape skills development, workforce transitions, and policy responses in a rapidly changing, technology-driven economy.

The successful candidate will work on research topics including labour markets, skills development, future of work, labour market policy, and the role of institutions in shaping resilient and human-centered economies. The project combines large-scale quantitative analysis with policy-oriented and stakeholder-engaged research, including co-creation of policy frameworks, publication in academic journals, conference presentations, and contributions to policy briefs.

Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree in Economics, Sociology, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field; strong quantitative skills such as econometrics and statistics; strong academic writing in English; and willingness to learn Dutch. The post is positioned in a large national consortium involving universities, research institutes, SMEs, industry partners, government, and social partners.

Funding is described as fully funded for 4 years, with a salary of €3,059 to €3,881 per month and 29+ vacation days. The deadline is 31 May 2026, with shortlisting in mid-June, interviews in June–July, and a planned start date of 1 September 2026.

To apply, prepare a CV, a one-page motivation letter, a writing sample (for example, a thesis), and two academic referees, then submit via the Maastricht University vacancies portal.