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 Cultural Heritage and Identity. Within this research theme the focus is on material and immaterial heritage, and on cultural heritage and societal changes. For this position, we are looking for someone who explores the role of cultural heritage in the production of documentary and journalism, with specific reference to processes of identity formation and social change. Given the focus of the Master’s programmes within which this colleague will work, we are particularly looking for someone with expertise in screen-based journalism, multimedia storytelling and/or narrative documentary.

What are you going to do?
You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. As well as teaching at BA level, you will be part of the teaching teams for the MA tracks in Documentary and Fiction Film as well as Journalism and Media, which have a strong focus on narrative documentary, investigative journalism, and creative uses of audiovisual media in documentary storytelling for journalistic purposes.

As Assistant Professor in Documentary and Journalism \attached to the research theme Cultural Heritage and Identity, your work will inquire into the use of different kinds of media for non-fiction storytelling, including the role of digital heritage such as the use of media archives and digitized collections. In this role, you will also teach courses on the (Dutch) media landscape, drawing on your research interests in media heritage, media industries, and the media professionals working in the fields of documentary and journalism, including issues of wellbeing and mental health. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture, one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research.

As part of the Dual Master’s programmes in the tracks of Documentary and Fiction Film as well as Journalism and Media, you will contribute to team-taught courses on:

• the structure and history of the (Dutch and international) media landscape;
• the professional creative media culture and how it functions in society;
• research methods and practices related to the cultural, creative and media industries;
• the materiality of digital archives and collections, and their reuse in journalism and documentary production;
• contemporary developments regarding storytelling and new media platforms;
• the repertoire of (Dutch) creative media productions and producers as well as relevant methods and techniques to find, validate and use different types of sources for creative media productions; and
• thesis supervision.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• designing and developing independent research strategies for the critical study of the role of documentary and journalism in society, with specific reference to media heritage, industries and professionals, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European (and beyond);
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture;
• actively contributing to conversations and collaborations within the sector research theme Cultural Heritage and Identity;
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the BA and Dual MA programmes;
• supervising BA and MA theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
• actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department;
• taking 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 ambitious researcher with a strong profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. A perspective that emphasizes diversity as well as the capacity to teach in Dutch would make you an excellent candidate for this position. Your publications show broad knowledge of historical and contemporary developments in the media industry and landscape, with specific reference to documentary and journalism, as well as a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in your work, research and teaching interests.

You are able to develop and provide modules in the Dual MA programmes in Documentary and Fiction Film, Journalism and Media, and the BA in Media Studies. Important is proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, 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 from all over the world.

Your experience and profile:

• a completed PhD in the humanities or social sciences with a research focus on journalism, documentary, digital heritage and/or the media industries;
• an international academic network in the research area concerned;
• research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• evidence of being an active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;
• demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants;
• relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;
• excellent command (near-native fluency) of both Dutch and English;
• experience with digital and audiovisual teaching facilities and affinity with ICT in university teaching;
• experienced in valorization and practice-based education and/or research;
• being a good team worker and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• organisational experience and skills;
• the Dutch University Teaching Qualification (BKO, a.k.a. 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 certificate within three years of employment.

Research that entails collaboration with non-academic institutions and agencies in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond is highly welcome. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

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 September 2024.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between € 4.332 (scale 11) and € 6.737 (scale 12), dependent on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. 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;
• attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• 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 Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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. Misha Kavka: Chair, Media Studies Department
• m.kavka@uva.nl

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. We will accept applications until 14 June 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 one pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’.

Interviews will be held in early July. A trial lecture will be part of the application process.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.