The Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent) position in Political Theory. Candidates should have an excellent track record in research and should be able to teach courses in the field of Political Theory (BA and MA), preferably as of 1 August 2023.

The Department welcomes applications from candidates specializing in any subdomain of political theory. A broad teaching profile is appreciated. We are particularly—but by no means exclusively—interested in developing our research and teaching profile in the fields of applied and empirically-informed political theory (including experimental political philosophy and formal political theory) and in international political theory. The applicant’s research profile should broadly fit with the overarching AISSR programme group 'Challenges to Democratic Representation', which studies how current political developments and their historical roots affect democratic governance.

The Department currently employs eight full-time tenure-stream faculty members in political theory. We offer dedicated political theory tracks in both our bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Our tracks stand out among similar programmes in political theory and philosophy by dint of their practice-oriented focus. We analyse ideological, conceptual, and normative dimensions of major social and political challenges we are facing today, without losing sight of power dynamics.

What are you going to do

The core tasks of the successful candidate will be teaching (0.6 fte) and research (0.4 fte). You will occasionally fulfil organizational tasks and committee work in the wider context of the Department of Political Science. 

You should be able to teach core courses and electives in political theory at the BA and MA level that also speak to political science students not enrolled in the political theory tracks. Occasionally, you may also teach a course that is part of the core curriculum of the BA programme. You can also be asked to teach in an interdisciplinary BA or (Res)MA-programme associated with the Department of Political Science.

You will conduct research in political theory. Your research will be affiliated with the programme group Challenges to Democratic Representation, housed in the Department of Political Science and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR). For more information on the group and its interests, please consult the website.  You will actively contribute to the development of the research programme of the programme group by publishing in international scholarly journals or books, by co-supervising junior researchers, and by submitting grant applications. The Department of Political Science appreciates scholarly outreach to professionals and the wider public.

Core tasks 

• Teaching general and specialist courses in Political Theory at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and involvement in post-graduate supervision; 
• Developing, conducting, and supervising high quality academic research in Political Theory; 
• (Participating in) acquiring external research funding; 
• A dynamic contribution to the research programme of the Programme Group Challenges to Democratic Representation, and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research through scholarly publications and engagement in local, national, and international networks. 

What do you have to offer

• A completed doctoral thesis in Political Science – specifically in Political Theory – or a closely related field such as Philosophy; 
• Broad knowledge of political science and expertise in a subdomain of political theory;
• The ability to work both as an independent professional and as a team player;

• An ongoing research programme and publications, focused on international peer reviewed journals and/or books published by internationally recognised academic presses; 
• A willingness to apply for research grants; 

• The ability to develop, improve, and teach relevant and inspiring academic courses – at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Dutch and/or English – as evidenced by experience and an engaged interest; 
• Affinity with teaching students from other tracks within political science, and from interdisciplinary programmes, within and beyond your own specialization; 
• A capacity to teach in English and/or Dutch, and a willingness to acquire passive knowledge of Dutch within three years; 

• The basic qualification in higher education at Dutch universities (Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs; BKO) certificate, or a willingness to acquire such.  

What can we offer you

A stimulating disciplinary and interdisciplinary work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.  

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for an 18 months period. If the candidate proves suitable (following a positive assessment) and barring unforeseen organisational developments, we intend to offer the candidate a permanent employment contract.  

Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience. For this position the University Job Classification profile Universitair Docent (UD 2) applies,  with a minimum salary of € 3974 and a maximum salary of € 5439 gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week, in keeping with salary scale 11, as per the CollectiveLabour Agreement of Dutch Universities. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a year-end bonus. Applicants from abroad can be eligible for the 30% tax incentive scheme over a period of five years. Parental leave is standard for 16 weeks. Because we value your continued personal development and professionalisation, we also offer excellent opportunities for study and development. 

On top of these renumerations, we offer you a position in which initiative and input are highly valued, an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues, and an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam. 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity. We especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups. In case of equal qualification, female and minority candidates will be given preference.

About us  

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.  

The Department of Political Science is a large department, part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG). The Department of Political Science strives for thematic breadth and methodological and epistemological pluralism. Teaching is offered both in English and in Dutch, in BA- and (Res)MA-programmes that offer options for thematic and methodological specialization. The department ranks 17th in the Shanghai ranking, 18th in the QS ranking, and 17th in the THE ranking.

Research is integrated in the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research. The AISSR is one of the largest and most prolific social science research institutes in Europe. It offers ample opportunities for collaboration and exchange with scholars from other fields of political science, as well as the other social sciences.

We strive for excellence in a caring institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequently varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with an ambitious yet friendly culture.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam in general, and the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences specifically.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

For questions about the vacancy, please contact: Eric Schliesser (e.schliesser@uva.nl).  

For technical and procedural questions, please contact: Naziha Irassir (n.irassir@uva.nl). 

Job Application 

Does this profile sound like you? A complete application must be submitted to University of Amsterdam’s on-line recruitment portal. It should include:

•  A letter, with a motivation for applying; 
• Your Curriculum Vitae, including (i) past work experience and qualifications (research, teaching, and/or management), (ii) your research interest(s), and (iii) a list of publications; 
• A research plan for the next three years (1-2 pages);

• A teaching statement, outlining your vision for interactive teaching in a diverse classroom (1-2 pages);
• One sample of your writing, such as an article or book chapter that was recently submitted published.

These five components should be combined into one single pdf document.

The deadline for applications is March 28, 2023. Onsite interviews are expected to be held in April or May. You may apply online by using the link below. 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please

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