Alfred Gell, Gregory Bateson, Claude Lévi-Strauss, and several other anthropologists have enriched art history with new methods and methodological insights, offering sophisticated analyses of visual materials and the place of artworks in social networks. Their work demonstrates the centrality of the anthropology of art in both anthropology and art history debates. More recently, closer attention has been paid to the different ideas of aesthetic value in different societies. With this vacancy text, LUCAS and the Department of Art History want to confirm and even strengthen their expertise in studying the anthropology of art. We look for candidates closely involved in the intersection between art history and anthropology and well-informed of the latest insights.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and teach courses on the intersection between art history and anthropology (cross-cultural study of art, material culture, social institutions, exchange relations, gender, ethnicity, etc.), esp. in modern and contemporary art in the BA tracks (Kunst & Cultuur and Arts, Media and Society, as well as Dutch Studies) and in our MA and ResMA Arts and Culture (languages of instruction: Dutch and English); 
• Engage in all usual forms of instruction in these programmes, including supervising internships and excursions, supervising BA and MA theses, both in Dutch and in English;
• Play an active role in recruiting Dutch and international students by contributing to open days, orientation and information sessions;
• Participate in the development and implementation of educational innovations – also in digital form;
• Conduct research based on an individual research plan within one of the research programmes of LUCAS and present the results in the form of publications, conference presentations and other means;
• Acquire project funding at national, European and international level (NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe etc.)
• Co-supervise PhD candidates;
• Participate in the academic community of the Institute;
• Bring an extensive network in the working field.

• Graduated and completed a PhD on a topic regarding the intersection between art history and anthropology; showing an interest in the analysis of objects across cultures; in the way objects are inextricably linked within a world system; in the symbolic and economic importance of art and other cultural forms in political and cultural relations across the world.
• Awareness of current issues, viewpoints and innovative methods within the field;
• Demonstrable and outstanding teaching skills (demonstrated by e.g. teaching evaluations, BKO/UTQ registration, etc.);
• Experience in teaching at both bachelor’s and master’s level;
• Experience with educational innovations;
• Research profile that fits within LUCAS;
• Proven track record of excellent independent research, as demonstrated by a substantial list of publications and awards/grants;
• (Near) native proficiency in the languages of instruction, Dutch and English;
• Competences: flexible, excellent communication skills, team worker, conceptual capacity, environment orientation, presenting and result orientation.

We offer a 0.8 FTE position for two years, with the possibility of an extension to a permanent position, based on funding, need and performance. Salary range, depending on training and experience, is from € 3.746,- to € 5.127,- gross (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), based on a full-time appointment.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to equity, inclusion and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

The Faculty of Humanities is a unique international centre for the advanced study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies worldwide, in their historical contexts from prehistory to the present.  Our faculty is home to more than 6,000 students and 800 staff members. For more information, see the website of Humanities.

The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is one of the seven Academic Institutes of the Faculty of Humanities. It aims to be a prominent player in the research field of the arts (literature, art, architecture, media and design).