Utrecht University will offer a new undergraduate (Bachelor) programme in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) as from September 2018. The programme will be selective, admitting 75 students per year and providing an intensive, small-scale and interdisciplinary training in the study of political and economic institutions, from the point of view of four disciplines: philosophy, history, politics and economics. To support the programme, we are searching for four Assistant Professors:

1. Assistant Professor in Economics
2. Assistant Professor in Politics & Governance
3. Assistant Professor in History
4. Assistant Professor in Philosophy

As a new assistant professor you will be appointed at one of the four departments participating in the PPE programme: the Utrecht School of Economics, the Utrecht School of Governance, the Department of History and Art History, and the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Each assistant professor will be involved in high-quality teaching and supervision tasks within the PPE undergraduate programme and to a more limited extent also in the regular programmes offered by the four departments attached to PPE. Research activities will take place within the department of which you'll be a member.

You are invited to apply to one of the four positions. You should both fulfil the general requirements and fit into one of the four specialized profiles. Assistant Professor in Economics, Assistant Professor in Politics & Governance, Assistant Professor in Political History.

General requirements
You as a successful candidate will have:

• a broad academic interest in questions with respect to economic and political institutions (democracy, rule of law, public organizations, markets, firms, etc.), with a clear focus on the origin, dynamics and societal outcomes of these institutions;
• a research agenda within this field rooted in one or more of the participating disciplines (philosophy, history, economics and politics & governance). As evidenced by a realistic medium-term research plan, aiming for publications in leading journals, with potential for attracting and securing external research funding;
• experience with teaching in undergraduate and/or graduate (BA and/or MA) programmes, preferably in the field of political and economic institutions. A university teaching qualification is desired but not required; in case you do not have one, you will be expected to follow the procedure for obtaining the qualification within two years of appointment;
• an interdisciplinary attitude: the willingness and abilities to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary teaching and research with respect to the functioning of political and economic institutions, and to participate actively in the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies at Utrecht University;
• a willingness and ability to connect to social practices and public debates; and a proven ability to engage with international developments and societal challenges reaching beyond borders;
• an open and enthusiastic attitude. The willingness and abilities to contribute actively to the formation of a close-knit PPE community of staff and students, both in teaching and extracurricular activities;
• excellent communication and coordination skills;
• excellent proficiency in spoken and written English. 

Requirements for the position Assistant Professor in Philosophy
You will have:

• a doctorate in Philosophy or a related discipline;
• demonstrable general knowledge of the fields of political and/or economic philosophy;
• a research specialization within (one of) these fields. For political philosophy this may include democratic theory, socio-economic theories of justice, theories of political legitimacy and authority. For economic philosophy this may include economic ethics, business ethics, and methodology of economic science;
• a solid expertise in the history of philosophy in these fields will be much appreciated. 

In selecting candidates, the committee will seek to achieve a balanced composition of the PPE team, with respect to disciplinary backgrounds, gender and ethnic and cultural diversity. Successful candidates are team players.

The initial full-time position, at least from March 1, will be on a temporary basis for a period of one year. Subject to satisfactory performance, this will be followed by a permanent appointment.

Candidates will be offered a position that initially includes 60% teaching and 40% research responsibilities. This is for two years (in case a permanent appointment is offered). Continuation of this 60/40 division after two years depends on a performance assessment and the financial situation of the Faculty of Humanities, as for all other staff members.

The starting salary depends on qualifications and experience and ranges from € 3,475 to € 4,757 (consistent with scale 11 of the Collective Employment Agreement for Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment.  Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. A favourable tax regime may apply for foreign applicants. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including attractive retirement scheme and (partly paid) parental leave. You'll find more information about Working at Utrecht University here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, colleagues of various disciplines collaborate intensively on major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and teaching in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. Enthusiastic and committed faculty members and excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.