Senior Advisor EU Funding

Maastricht University; Maastricht; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month contract

Salary range €4,925-€6,682 monthly

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

29 vacation days

Flexible working hours

Home office allowance

Work from home option

Pension ABP

University sports facilities access

Inspiring work environment

Job summary

Maastricht University is seeking a Senior Advisor EU Funding to strengthen FHML’s position in European research funding. You will connect researchers with MSCA opportunities, develop grant strategies, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

You will follow European funding developments, translate insights into strategies, and act as a sparring partner for researchers and management. Excellent networking and advisory skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years in academia or similar complex org.
• Strong knowledge of European funding landscape, esp. MSCA.
• Established, professional network in academia.
• Fluent in English; Dutch preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate EU funding opportunities for researchers.
• Advise on match between research ideas and MSCA/funding requirements.
• Support grant strategy development and application processes.
• Advise on consortium building and connections; expand stakeholder network.
• Disseminate grant information and advise management on improvements.

Skills

MSCA know-how

Funding landscape

Networking

Academic environment

English & Dutch

Education

PhD preferred

Job description

Welcome to Maastricht University! Do you know the European funding landscape inside out and enjoy helping researchers turn promising ideas into successful grant applications? As Senior Advisor EU Funding, you will play a key role in strengthening FHML’s position in European research funding. With your strategic insight, network and advisory skills, you will help shape opportunities for researchers and the faculty.

Our goal: The FHML-Grants Office supports researchers throughout the grant application process and offer hands‑on support to substantially increasing the chances for successful research funding. As European funding opportunities become increasingly important for research collaborations, career development and innovation, we are strengthening our expertise and strategic approach in this area. As Senior Advisor EU Funding, you will contribute to a grant strategy with a clear European focus, more specifically on the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA). You will connect researchers, funding opportunities and relevant internal and external stakeholders, assisting FHML in making the most of the opportunities available within the European research and funding landscape.

Your colleagues: You will join the FHML-Grants Office, a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable professionals who support researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals and navigating complex funding requirements. The team works closely with researchers, research leaders, management and colleagues across Maastricht University. Together, you contribute to a strong and professional research support infrastructure that enables researchers to focus on developing innovative ideas and impactful research.

As Senior Advisor EU Funding, you are a trustworthy sparring partner for researchers and management on European research funding. You combine strategic thinking with practical advice and know how to connect research ideas with relevant funding opportunities. In addition, you will be the main contact person for general funding questions for one of the eight research institutes.

You actively follow developments in the funding landscape (mainly European) and use your knowledge and network to strengthen FHML’s position. You also identify opportunities for improvement, analyse relevant data and translate insights into concrete recommendations and policy initiatives.

With your experience and ability to build relationships, you act as an important link between researchers, funding bodies and other internal and external stakeholders.

What you do

• proactively identify, evaluate and communicate relevant European funding opportunities;
• advise researchers on the match between their research ideas and available funding opportunities and requirements.
• support researchers in developing competitive grant strategies and applications;
• advise on consortium building and facilitate relevant connections;
• build, maintain and strategically expand your network of internal and external stakeholders;
• collect and disseminate grant information relevant to FHML;
• analyse data and advise management on opportunities for improvement;
• develop policy documents and contribute to changes and improvements in grant support;
• provide training sessions and information meetings within FHML and, where relevant, university-wide;
• maintain contact with European funding bodies and other relevant organisations.

Are you ready to help strengthen FHML’s position in European research funding? Then we would love to meet you.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about your expertise, strategic insight and motivation to help researchers succeed. Do you recognise yourself in this profile?

You:

• have a relevant academic degree, preferably a PhD in life sciences or relevant discipline in natural sciences;
• have at least three years of relevant work experience in the academic sector or similarly complex organisation;
• have thorough knowledge of the European funding landscape, especially MSCA;
• are an experienced networker with a broad and professionally relevant network;
• have a strong affinity with the academic and research environment;
• communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, in English and preferably also in Dutch;
• are organised, proactive and result-oriented;
• can work independently while also enjoying collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders;
• remain effective when working under pressure and managing multiple priorities;
• can identify opportunities and translate complex information into clear and practical advice.

What we offer

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

• A 12-month contract (0,5 fte) with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction. OR A 12-month contract(0,5 fte)with the prospect of a XX year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €4925,00and €6682,00 (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, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)

FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well‑being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

Interested?

Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Arjan Vink, Head of Grants Office FHML [e-mail] . The end date of the publication is 27 september. The first interviews will take place in week 42.

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.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

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.

Faculty/Service Center: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences