We are looking for a new colleague to expand our academic staff in the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISW) of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. The department’s research activities are organised in three programmes: ‘Social Policy and Public Health’, ‘Migration, Cultural Diversity, and Ethnic Relations’ and ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’.

The teaching related to the appointment will focus on the programme ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’ where inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration is sought. Your research will be linked to this programme. ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’ aims to identify opportunities for young people to thrive and grow within diverse contexts, including that of the family, peers, school and society. Our young, enthusiastic, interdisciplinary team seeks to understand the interplay between these contexts and individual characteristics and their effects on adolescent and young adult (risk) behaviours, social media use, mental health and social relations. Our research combines large, (longitudinal) quantitative (internationally-comparative) surveys, qualitative interviews, and experimental studies. 

The position contains a standard combination of teaching activities (60%) and research activities (40%), preferably starting no later than February 2024. In case you wish to focus your career on teaching, a 70% teaching and 30% research appointment is also possible, temporary or structural.

The core tasks will include:

• Independently teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in the curriculum of Interdisciplinary Social Science;
• Educational management, including the coordination of courses at Bachelor’s and Master’s degree level, coordinating educational (innovation) projects;
• Development of courses on Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts and actively participating in the innovation and improvement of the curriculum;
• Bringing new/advanced quantitative methodological skills into the curriculum;
• Carrying out research within the scope of the programme on Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts and publishing (inter)nationally within the relevant domain;
• Translating and communicating research findings and scientific insights to different types of audiences, including scientific, professional and community audiences.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That’s why we assess both individual and team performances. We stimulate academic leadership at all levels and encourage staff members to share the results of scientific research with society in order to contribute to societal change.

We are searching for enthusiastic colleagues who recognise themselves in the abovementioned values and who meet the requirements below:

• You hold (or have nearly obtained) a PhD degree in a domain of behavioural or social science, or a similar or related field with a focus on youth (preferably also on risk behaviours).
• You have elaborate expertise in advanced quantitative research and data analysis methods, particularly in (complex) longitudinal data analysis and/or advanced multi-level analysis.
• You have experience in teaching, co-developing and co-coordinating academic courses.
• You hold a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or are willing to acquire this qualification in the near future.
• Your English is fluent in speaking and writing at an academic level.
• You show scientific creativity and productivity, as evident in recent publications in (inter)national peer-reviewed journals.
• You are fluent in spoken and written Dutch or willing to learn Dutch. We believe that understanding and being able to speak and write Dutch is essential to connect and communicate with students and colleagues. We offer free Dutch language courses. Teaching in Dutch will be part of your tasks (in due course).

We offer:

• a position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE) for 1 year, after a positive evaluation, this can be turned into a permanent position;
• a full-time gross salary between €4,332 and €6,737 in scale 11/12 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow.

For more information, please visit 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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. 

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

The faculty attaches great importance to the fact that its employees can be widely deployed in the university organization, now and in the future, to further professionalize the support of education and research. To encourage this, every employee is given the time and facilities – for example in the form of training – at some point in their career to participate in projects or work in other departments. Characteristics that the faculty considers important are involvement, the ability to collaborate and flexibility.

The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.