The Department of Communication Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam currently searches for an Assistant Professor of Media Psychology. Within the broader context of research into “The Human Factor in New Technologies”, we seek candidates with expertise in the psychology of media technology users. Candidates with a focus on Immersive Technologies and AI-powered applications are particularly encouraged to apply.

The assistant professor will be embedded in the Media Psychology group at the department of Communication Science, in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Female and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply as we strive for optimal diversity in our team.

Your duties
The assistant professor:

• conducts state of the art empirical research in media psychology
• will be active in acquiring external research funding
• develops, coordinates and teaches bachelor and master level courses in communication science
• can be asked to perform management tasks and to take part in various committees
• can be involved in the supervision of Ph.D. students

• a Ph.D. in Communication Science or a related discipline
• strong research skills as shown in a solid publication record
• extensive knowledge of and experience with quantitative and computational research methodologies
• didactic qualities as proven by a Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs (BKO, basic teaching qualification at Dutch Universities), or experience with various teaching methods/skills, positive teaching evaluations combined with the willingness to acquire a BKO
• fluency in Dutch and English; and the ability to teach in Dutch and English at the C1 level or equivalent, or the willingness to acquire this level in the first two years
• experience with (and preferably success in) applying for external funding

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

A thriving position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,332 (scale 11) and a maximum €5,929 (scale 11), depending on your education and experience. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE. The job involves an Assistant Professor (UD2) position with a strong outlook for a permanent position after 18 months and transparent career perspectives thereafter. In the first two years, the time devoted to teaching and research is 50/50. Afterwards, the standard share is 65% teaching, 5% administration, and 30% research (also depending on grants acquired).

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the department

Over the past decade, the scientific field of Communication Science has changed profoundly due to the rise of a media-saturated digital society, new empirical research methods, and new dynamic communication routes. The department of Communication Science at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam responds to these trends with an educational program (BSc/MSc) that teaches Communication Science within a “digital society” framework, and that trains related skills (e.g., on data literacy and computational methods) and knowledge (e.g., on digital marketing) using timely and innovative teaching methods. The department also maintains a pointed and forward-looking research program strategically focusing on examining Communication Choices, Content and Consequences (CCCC). The department holds a strong position in the field because it has clearly focused on newly emerging communication technologies and solid empirical methods ever since its foundation in 2003. It maintains a particular focus on applying psychological perspectives and computational methods to the study of media. Researchers within the CCCC program are currently organized into three research areas: Political Communication and Computational Methods, Media Psychology (including work on use and effects of media technology, social robotics, and extended reality), and Digital Communication (focusing on persuasion and health communication, social media, PR, and organizational communication). The department has been ranked consistently in the top #25 of all departments/universities worldwide in the prestigious Shanghai ranking, and both the research program and the teaching program received (very) positive review scores in the last assessment.

Faculty of Social Sciences
At the Faculty of Social Sciences we examine the major social issues facing us today from a variety of critical perspectives. We combine sociology, anthropology, political science, communication science, administration and organisation. Because there aren’t any ready-made solutions to the complex social issues of today. They demand a multidisciplinary approach. Working together with others helps you expand your mind, come to new ways of understanding and devise creative solutions.

Are you interested in joining Social Sciences? That means working with a team of colleagues from different disciplines in an inspiring work and study climate. Enjoy working in a professional organisation with an informal atmosphere, where we give you space for personal development. FSS employs over 350 staff members and enrols around 3,000 students.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.