Research Software Steward

Welcome to Maastricht University!

The world of research is changing rapidly, and research software plays a key role in that transformation. At UM, you can make the difference: you help researchers make their software sustainable, findable, and reusable. In doing so, you contribute to Open Science and future‑proof research.

Our goal:
To support researchers in creating and using FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) research software, as part of Open Science.

Your colleagues:
You will work in the Research Support department of the University Library, where you will be part of the Data Stewardship Services team and also collaborate with experts from other teams.

Software is indispensable in modern research. Scripts, statistical packages, and applications form the foundation for analysis and reproducibility. As a Research Software Steward, you are the point of contact for everything related to FAIR research software, particularly within the Social Sciences and Humanities domain.

• You develop policies, provide training, and help researchers organise and document their code and make it reusable.
• You support researchers in the use of Git Lab and Git Hub.
• You deliver workshops on version control, licensing, software citation and open-source software.
• You contribute to the implementation of FAIR software principles within our Data Science Research Infrastructure (DSRI).
• You represent UM in national and international networks and participate in policy initiatives related to Open Science.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

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

• Open Science mindset: You are a solid discussion partner for academic researchers. You are committed to the FAIR principles and follow the motto “as open as possible”.
• Strong communicator: You explain complex software concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Preferably, you also have experience writing policy documents.
• Proactive connector: You work independently but actively seek collaboration within and beyond UM.
• Academically skilled: You are experienced in (open‑source) research software, software management, and documentation and preferably have a PhD degree. Experience with software development or programming is an advantage.
• Bilingual and to the point: You communicate fluently in Dutch (B2) and English (C1).

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

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a permanent contract based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between €3546,- and €5538,- (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.

The University Library provides students, teachers, and researchers with access to a wide range of academic information to support education and research. In doing so, we help them achieve their academic goals and actively respond to digital transitions. This enables us to continue developing as the ‘academic library of the future’. As a driving force behind Open Science, we actively contribute to making academic information open and transparent.

Our professionals are given ample opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and grow along with us. Our four pillars form the foundation of who we are and how we engage with one another and with our partners. Together, we are building an innovative,…