Become valuable to Tilburg University!

To strengthen the Department of Sociology, we are seeking a colleague specializing in the sociology of work, for example in the areas of digitization and work, labor market flexibility, or new forms of inequality and changing labor relations. The candidate will have, preferably, a demonstrated experience in qualitative research. The candidate for this position will be expected to actively contribute to and invest in the research program of the SSH Theme "Social Inequality and Diversity" (for more information on the sector plans in general and for Tilburg University, see: https://sshraad.nl/en/). The focus here lies in studying the impact of major social transformations (e.g., diversity in families, aging, aesthetic capital, digitalization, AI) on development of inequality and diversity, as well as examining mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion at the intersections of  labor, family, health, and technology. In doing so, the focus is on interdisciplinary collaboration and the creation of socially relevant impact, ideally  in collaboration with (local) social partners.  

Your responsibilities
The main tasks will include:

• To pursue research-led impact to relevant professional and societal audiences.
• To teach in courses and supervise BSc- and MSc theses that are part of the department’s educational programs and offers. 
• To prepare or participate in the writing of grant applications.
• To perform a limited number of administrative or management tasks (e.g. course coordination, participation in taskforces, membership program committee).

Tilburg University seeks scientists with knowledge, skills, and character. We are curious about your contribution. We think you should have the following qualities for this position: 

• A PhD (or the prospect of a PhD before August 2024) in sociology or a related social science field specializing in the sociology of work;
• Proven experience in qualitative research, visible through publications either in international high-quality scientific journals or an ambitious pipeline of (submitted) papers and contributions to academic conferences;
• Eager to contribute to the research program of the SSH Theme 'Social Inequality and Diversity';
• Is a passionate researcher and teacher;
• Has the ability to obtain research grants and manage projects;
• Experience and affinity for teaching sociology and is immediately broadly employable in teaching from end of August 2024;
• Has a social focus and motivation to create impact through research and teaching;
• Team spirit: you feel part of a team and express this through collaboration, sharing knowledge and experiences, and contributing to an open and inclusive work atmosphere in an international working environment; 
• Acquiring the Basic University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) of Tilburg University, if a similar qualification was not obtained already;
• Personal leadership: you are able to take responsibility for your work and career;
• Proficiency in English is mandatory (CEFR: C2 level). If not proficient in Dutch, candidates should be willing to learn Dutch after receiving tenure at Tilburg University. 

Increasing your value
With us, you will find everything you need to maximize your potential and development. We offer excellent facilities and support for research, education, and making societal impact. In all three of these areas, we “recognize and reward” you in line with national university aspirations. With great opportunities such as obtaining a senior teaching qualification, collaborating in an academic collaborative center, or participating in our Connected Leading program. We attach great importance to team spirit and have a clear, shared vision of (personal) leadership (Connected Leading). Developing qualities such as self-reflection, dialogue, and transparency are central to this. Read more about careers at Tilburg University and personal development here. 

Your valuable contribution will be rewarded with attractive benefits and sufficient attention to work-life balance. Our offer includes:

• A position based on 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week).
• This is a vacancy for a structural position in accordance with Article 2.3, paragraph 1 of the CLA for Dutch Universities and concerns a temporary employment contract with a perspective for permanent employment. You will initially receive a temporary employment contract for the duration of 12 (internal candidates) or 18 months (external candidates), with a perspective for permanent employment (assistant, associate, or full professor). 
• A salary ranging from a minimum of €4.332- to a maximum of €5.929 gross per month for full time employment, based on UFO profile Assistant Professor and salary scale 11 of the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. 

In addition to your monthly salary, you will receive 41 vacation days (for a 40-hour work week), a holiday allowance (8%), and a year-end bonus (8.3%). We reimburse the full cost of sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, or public transportation. We have a moving expenses scheme that makes it attractive to live close to the university. You will be enrolled in the ABP pension fund through us. Our Options Model allows you to choose from a variety of facilities at a tax advantage. You can work in a hybrid manner: on campus and, for a reimbursement, from home. Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance of 30% of their taxable salary if they meet the relevant conditions. The university applies for this allowance on their behalf.

Your work environment
You will work in a pleasant working environment; a green campus with plenty of facilities. At a leading, entrepreneurial, and innovative university in the humanities and social sciences. The university employs 2,400 staff members and hosts 20,000 students of some 100 different nationalities. For nearly a century, this organization has worked together with a tradition aimed at contributing to society. We strive to be a community where differences in age, gender, orientation, and cultural and religious backgrounds are valued, with equal opportunities for colleagues and students and where, moreover, all decisions take into account the importance of preserving the earth for future generations. Read more about the university here.

Tilburg University

Tilburg University is a specialized university with a high international reputation that strives to advance society by deepening the understanding of that society through research and education. Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers excellent, innovative education aimed at preparing students to become future leaders by focusing on knowledge, skills, and character building. The School offers a varied range of Bachelor and Master programs to its 3,000 students and is organized around the motto of "Understanding Society". The school’s intellectually stimulating working environment challenges its employees to realize their ambitions; involvement and cooperation are essential to achieve this. Read more about the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences here.

Department of Sociology

The candidate will be embedded in the research of the Department of Sociology. The research focuses on aspects of social inequality and social cohesion in a comparative and dynamic perspective:

• Topics studied within the broader theme of social inequality include work, poverty, welfare, housing and health.
• Topics studied within the broader theme of social cohesion are values, solidarity and trust, religion, family and social capital.
• The comparative perspective focuses on the comparison of (predominantly European) countries, either from a macro perspective or a micro-macro perspective.
• The dynamic perspective consists of comparing countries or social groups over time on the one hand, and comparing individuals over their personal life courses on the other.

The Department of Sociology is part of the interdisciplinary Herbert Simon Research Institute, which promotes and supports interdepartmental cooperation within the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Members of the Department of Sociology supervise bachelor and master students and teach various courses at both the bachelor and master levels in the Sociology program. Our bachelor programs in Sociology (Dutch) and International Sociology (English) offer basic courses in sociology and specializations in social risks in a changing world, culture in comparative perspective, and urban issues. Our master's programs focus on Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective, on Politics, Policy and Social Development, and on Health, Welfare and Society. We offer a comprehensive master's program, allowing students to gain experience through internships, and double degree programs with the University of Trento (Italy), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain) and University of Bamberg (Germany). In addition, staff from the Sociology Department participate in the bachelor program "Global Management of Social Issues" (together with colleagues from Organization Studies), the bachelor Liberal Arts and Sciences program, and the two-year Research Master Program (including the Sociology track). 

We strive to optimize available research time in conjunction with a reasonable teaching load. The standard teaching load for an assistant professor (1.0 FTE) averages the equivalent of 2.5 courses per year plus supervision of bachelor and master thesis projects. Remuneration is competitive with similar educational institutions, in addition we provide support for conferences and other research related expenses.