In the context of the sector plan for the Humanities titled ‘Tradition in transition’, the faculty currently has a vacant Assistant Professor position as part of the research theme Languages and Cultures. One of the goals within this research theme is to strengthen the position of the modern foreign languages, within the Faculty as well as more generally. We are looking for a motivated researcher and an accomplished teacher in the field of foreign languages in a digital context, focusing on how foreign language learning and use are affected by digitalisation, to support the goals of ‘Tradition in Transition’ and contribute to university and faculty-wide engagement with digital transformations. The candidate contributes actively to teaching and curriculum design for the incorporation of digitalisation across the foreign languages taught in the entire department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures, while also teaching a range of courses in one or more of the individual foreign languages of the department.

What are you going to do?
You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods, embedded in the department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR).

You will design curricula and teach courses in the shared components of the courses in the various modern foreign languages offered in the department, and support colleagues in specific foreign languages to integrate digital skills in the curricula. You will also offer courses in one, or preferably more, individual foreign languages taught in the department (including the various Germanic, Romance, Semitic and Slavic languages, but excluding English). Preference given to candidates able to teach in more than one language and where the appointment will complement existing expertise across the modern foreign languages.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and conducting independent research on digital dimensions of language use in an increasingly digitalised world, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• Participate actively in the research activities of ACLC;
• Pursue external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, both national and European;
• Contribute to the development of national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary collaboration of the sector plan research theme Languages and Cultures.
• Develop, coordinate and teach courses across MVTC in digital skills for foreign language use and acquisition, as well as courses in the foreign language(s) in which you specialise, in the BA and MA programmes;
• Supervise BA and MA theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the language curricula within the foreign languages in the department with a special focus on digital skills and new technologies for the learning, use and study of language;
• Take part in committees and working groups and carrying out departmental administrative tasks as directed.

What do you have to offer?
You are a dynamic and motivated researcher with a strong profile, demonstrated by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of language and digitalisation and familiarity with artificial intelligence, large language models and their implications for foreign language use and learning. Furthermore, expertise in the application of digital research methods to the analysis of text composition, including argumentation and new forms of rhetoric is desirable. Your research should align with one or more of the ACLC’s research groups, but also show the potential to contribute a new perspective to existing work within the ACLC.

You are able to develop and provide modules on the impact of digitisation of foreign language use and learning, but also offer courses in one or more of the languages (other than English) offered in the department. Proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus is important, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programmes that aspire to a wide range of students.

Candidates who will enhance the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in MVTC and the ACLC are warmly encouraged to apply.

Your experience and profile
Candidates need to meet the following criteria:

• A PhD in digitalisation, computational linguistics or linguistics with a research focus that engages substantially with languages other than English and Dutch;
• Research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• Demonstrable ability and intention to obtain external research grants;
• Broad and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;
• Experience with digital and audio-visual teaching facilities and affinity with IT in university teaching;
• Good team player and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• Relevant organisational experience and skills;
• Excellent command of at least one foreign specialisation language;
• Command of Dutch and English. If you do not speak Dutch, an active and passive command must be acquired within the first two years of the employment contract and the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed;
• A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained a UTQ you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the qualification within three years of employment.

Additional requirements:

• Experience in developing partnerships with industry, civil society, and public institutions;
• Experience in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research.

What can we offer you?
We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment is for 38 hours per week. Preferred starting date is 01 August 2024.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between €4,332 (scale 11) to €6,737 (scale 12) dependent on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer?

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• support in attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) if not already completed;
• support in completing the Dutch as a Second Language programme II if the candidate is not already a fluent speaker of Dutch;
• a position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:

Prof Dr Bertus van Rooy
Chairperson: Modern Foreign Languages

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 24 May 2024.

Your application should include the following information:

• a letter and detailed CV;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’.

The first round of interviews will be held in the course of June 2024. A trial lecture may be part of the application process.