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, including Digital Humanities, and on cultural heritage and societal changes. For this position, we are specifically looking for a researcher who has the ambition to develop a critical humanities research agenda in archival studies.

What are you going to do?
You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (AHM), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR).

The Department of Media Studies seeks an Assistant Professor in critical archival studies. This position is focused on developing fair, inclusive, and socially just archival practices through a critical examination of archival methods, archival legacies, and archival institutions. Critical archival studies draws upon various traditions of critical thought and practice as well as the concept of sustainability to explore the complex dimensions of political, social, ecological, economic and cultural systems. This focus serves to emphasize interdisciplinary connections and comparisons while facilitating the development and adoption of inclusive methods that amplify marginalized voices. Traditional archival practices such as indexing, classification, and categorization are thus re-examined from a social justice perspective, with an emphasis on liberatory memory work, documenting victims’ perspectives, community archiving, and counter-archiving. There is also significant emphasis placed on utilizing digital techniques to create innovative forms of access.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• designing and conducting independent research on critical archival studies, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, both national as well as European;
• 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 (AHM);
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the BA and 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;
• actively contributing to the interdisciplinary collaboration of the sector plan research theme Cultural Heritage and Identity.

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. Your publications show broad knowledge of critical archival studies. Your research matches the profile of AHM.

You are able to develop and provide modules on critical archival 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 for a wide range of students.

Your experience and profile:
Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

• a completed PhD in in the humanities or social sciences with a research focus on critical archival studies;
• 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;
• 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;
• experience in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research;
• experience of being a team player who is versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• excellent organisational experience and skills;
• 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;
• good 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.

Experience in developing partnerships with civil society organizations, public institutions, and grassroots initiatives in conflict regions is a plus.

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;
• attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• the opportunity to participate in the Dutch as a Second Language programme II;
• 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. 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. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 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’.

The first round of 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.