We are looking for applicants specialised in contemporary political history, who can contribute to teaching, research, as well as the organisation and outreach of the section of political history within the Department of History and Art History.

The political history section currently has about 20 colleagues who study political developments from the early modern period until the present day. It has a particular interest in a comparative perspective on long-term developments, and to connect the past with present-day political issues. Currently, main themes of teaching and research are the history of democracy, revolution, political ideas and ideologies, nationalism and (ethnic) violence, and political activism – all with a strong emphasis on Western Europe.

We encourage candidates working in the field of political history in the broadest sense to apply. Desired fields of research and/or teaching expertise include, but are not limited to, the history of empires and (post/colonial) states; the history of political violence, (civil) war and genocide; the history of political elites and leadership; the history of governmentality and its instruments; the history of political mobilization, political activism and identities in the context of civil society; and the history of environmental politics. Candidates who can help us expand the comparative perspective and geographical scope of our sections to cities, (post)colonial states and areas beyond Europe may receive additional consideration.

The section of Political History is engaged in teaching across the Department and beyond. Candidates are expected to be able to contribute to teaching of the section in its different areas and programs, inside and outside their direct field of expertise. This may include teaching at the general courses of the Bachelor majors in History (both the English- and the Dutch-language track); the specialisation tracks ‘Political Struggle in Modern Europe’ and ‘Conflict, Violence, and Security’ at Bachelor level; the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics; the Master History of Politics and Society; the Research Master History and the various Minors in which the section is involved.

Candidates are also expected to play an active role in the organisation and community of the section of Political History, and the Department at large, by collaborating with colleagues on teaching, research and/or societal impact.

We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity – understood in the broadest sense – of the University and Department, both of its student body and of its faculty. Candidates are expected to be versatile in both Dutch and English; non-Dutch candidates will need to master the Dutch language on an academic level within two years, for which there will be support from the Faculty.

You have

• a PhD degree in history or a related field;
• experience with and enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate students at all levels;
• the ability to contribute to research-led graduate courses;
• a record (appropriate to your career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research that is rigorous, relevant and innovative in academic and societal perspective;
• a realistic medium-term research plan, addressing substantial historical problems and aiming for relevant publications and with the potential to receive external funding for research;
• readiness to engage with non-academic research users and to assist in developing the impact of historical research beyond the university sector;
• the ability to play a role in departmental and section management and to contribute fully to the academic life of the department and the section.

Utrecht University has a teaching qualification system for university lecturers, and candidates are required to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO), if they are not already in possession of one, within a reasonable timeframe.

Candidates must fulfill the conditions set by the IND to work in the Netherlands. You will find information about these terms and conditions via this link.

We offer a full position (1.0 FTE), with a trial period of one year. At the end of that year, in case of a good performance, a contract for a tenured position will be offered. You will receive clear guidelines and support to fulfil the criteria for tenure. As an assistant professor, 70% of your working time will be devoted to teaching; 30% of your time is for research. The gross salary – depending on previous qualifications and experience – ranges between €3,821 and €5,230 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) 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. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Here you can find more information about working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards 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 education 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. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.