The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen, seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor (UD) in the field of psychology and culture whose research also includes religion as a factor in (psychological) health and wellbeing (0.8 fte). The position will involve 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% administration. The position will be located within the Department of Comparative Study of Religion.

The candidate will contribute to the teaching programme (BA, MA, and research master's level), especially in relation to the theme of Religion, health and wellbeing (a MA track with this theme is currently under development). This will include (contribution to) courses such as: ‘illness, possession and healing,’ ‘psychology of religion,’ or ‘spiritual care,’ as well as thesis and placement supervision. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in teaching and researching in culturally diverse settings, who are not afraid to question, adapt and develop the basic categories they work with cross-culturally, and who have experience working in a cross-disciplinary setting. Your research will contribute to the Centre for Religion, Health and Wellbeing that will be established in the course of 2018.

Part of the teaching will focus on training and supervising students who will work in the field of spiritual care. For this reason, we will give preference to candidates who have experience in teaching group dynamics and conversational techniques in clinical settings, or who have the ability and motivation to learn how to teach these skills.

Early career scholars are explicitly encouraged to apply.

The following criteria will be important in the selection process. The candidate should:
- hold a PhD degree in psychology, religious studies, anthropology or a closely related discipline
- have a research focus on psychology, culture and religion
- be able to teach basic psychological theories
- be able to teach on the role of religion and culture in health and wellbeing
- have a track record of international peer-reviewed publications
- have teaching experience at university level
- have capacity for success or demonstrated success in the acquisition of research funding
- have a demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary cooperation
- have organisational competence, a proactive attitude and good communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: 60 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary for an assistant professor dependent on qualifications and work experience, with a minimum of € 3,475 (scale 11 Dutch Universities) to a maximum of € 5,405 (scale 12) gross per month for a full-time position. On top of that income the candidate will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an annual bonus of 8.3%. The conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The appointment will be on a temporary basis initially for 5 years, with the strong ambition of making the position permanent. In the fifth year the Faculty Board will decide on this, depending on the performance of the appointee and the position of the faculty.

Deadlines and procedures
Job interviews will be held on 7 and 8 November 2017. Shortlisted applicants will be notified before 1 October 2017 and will be expected to be in Groningen for both days of the interviews. Travel and accommodation will be arranged and reimbursed.

Date of entry into employment: 1 February 2018, or as soon as possible.

Application requirements
Interested candidates should submit a complete application composed of:
- a letter of motivation, addressing the above criteria
- a complete CV with a list of publications and with names and contact details of three referees
- a PDF of three self-selected representative papers
- a brief description (maximum two pages) of research interests and plans.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 18 September 2017, 11.59 PM / before 19 September (Dutch local time) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).
The application should be uploaded electronically in PDF format with all the credentials in separate attachments. Applications with missing credentials will not be taken into consideration.

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Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.
Groningen is a lively university city with a population of 200,000, only a 2.5 hours drive by train or car from the national airport of Amsterdam.

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Groningen is a leading European institution for the study of religion. We are proud to be ranked as the best teaching and research centre for religion in the Netherlands. We are committed to highest standards in critical academic research, and we translate our research into stimulating and cutting-edge teaching programmes. We train students to be independent and critical observers of the place of religion in its cultural and historical context, and we prepare them for the job market. The faculty is flourishing and expanding. In line with a sustained long-term strategy of growth, the faculty seeks to attract a scholar in the field of Psychology, Culture and Religion.