Assistant Professor Media and Digital Culture (1.0 FTE)

Excellent research assessments and growing student numbers enable the Department of Media Studies and Journalism of the University of Groningen to hire new assistant professors. We are specifically looking for a candidate with expertise in Digital Culture.

Candidates should have cutting-edge knowledge of the study of Digital Culture, especially in relation to the social and informative functions of digital media in society. They should be familiar with relevant debates in the field such as within internet studies, platform studies and/or software studies, and how digital processes are affecting and are affected by culture, the economy and society.

The position is open to candidates with a wide range of research interests, and theoretical and methodological approaches within the broad domain of Digital Culture. Candidates should be able to teach courses in media studies and/or journalism studies on the BA and MA level, and contribute to our research programme. The position combines teaching (60%) and research (40%).

The successful candidates are expected to teach in our English-taught BA programme in Media Studies, our minor programme in Media and Journalism Studies, and our Dutch and international MA programmes in Journalism.

The international BA programme in Media Studies focuses on the social and informative function of media. It is rooted in the humanities domain of media studies but also draws upon methods and paradigms developed in the social sciences domain of communication science. The degree aims to endow students with a thorough understanding of the affordances of different platforms and the interplay between them; the political and economic underpinnings of media systems; patterns of use, production and content; and the functions and impact of media in culture and society. Throughout the curriculum it provides a comparative perspective by studying media in their cultural, historical, economic, political and international contexts. The programme has an annual enrolment of 120 students from all parts of the world.

The MA programmes in Journalism rank at the top of Dutch yearly rankings. They focus on high quality reporting in a cross-media setting with a strong focus on digital skills and innovation, and combine academic reflection with academic skills. The department admits 45 Dutch and 15 international MA students on a yearly basis after a rigorous selection procedure.
The minor programme in Media and Journalism Studies addresses a range of developments in the field of media and journalistic culture, providing courses to approximately 150 bachelor students.

Research is conducted within the interdisciplinary Centre for Media and Journalism Studies. Its focus areas are: Social Media and Digital Culture, Transforming Media Use, and Media and Journalism as Cultural Form. Members of the Centre have been successful in recent years in attracting external research funding. Successful candidates are expected to actively contribute to a vibrant research environment and are provided ample support in applying for bids with national and international funding agencies.

The successful applicant is expected to:
- teach and supervise students in the department’s undergraduate and graduate programmes. International candidates will teach solely in English. They are offered the chance to follow a Dutch language course. Dutch candidates will teach in both English and Dutch
- participate actively in curriculum development, design and administration of course modules, under responsibility of head of department
- carry out and generate top research in media studies or journalism studies
- pursue research grants and other forms of external funding
- participate actively in international research networks and build international collaborations
- participate actively in the activities of the interdisciplinary research Centre for Media and Journalism Studies.

In addition to a number of basic requirements set by the University of Groningen, such as excellent social and communication skills, presentation skills, coaching skills and a results-oriented attitude, we are looking for candidates who have:

- a PhD in Media Studies, Communication Studies, Journalism Studies, or related fields;
- wide-ranging knowledge in Media and Digital Culture
- teaching experience at university level and proven didactic abilities
- gained the University Teaching Qualification or is prepared to do so within a year
- an excellent research track record, including relevant publications
- an outstanding national and international academic network as well as strong contacts with professionals in the field
- willingness to make substantial contributions to the development of the Department’s research and educational programmes
- organisational experience and skills
- excellent command of English (at least CEFR B2/C1 level for reading, listening, writing and speaking), and the willingness to learn Dutch in due course.

The University of Groningen offers a salary based on qualifications and experience of between € 3,475 (scale 11 CAO Dutch Universities) and € 5,405 (scale 12) gross per month for a full time position, excluding 8% holiday pay and 8,3% end-of-year gratification and participation in a pension scheme for employees. The appointment will be initially for a period of four years, with the possibility of appointment for an indefinite period (permanent contract). This will be determined based on an appraisal, which will be made after 3 years, as well as the needs of the programme. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for the University of Groningen (Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities 2015-2016, available in English at www.vsnu.nl).

Preferred date of entry into employment is 1 August 2018.

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. Its 30,000 students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents through challenging study- and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international centre of knowledge: It belongs to the best research universities in Europe and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide.

The Faculty of Arts is a large, dynamic faculty in the heart of the city of Groningen. It has more than 5000 students and 700 staff members, who are working at the frontiers of knowledge every day. The Faculty offers a wide range of degree programmes: 15 Bachelor's programmes and over 35 Master's specialisations. Our research, which is internationally widely acclaimed, covers the following fields: Media and Journalism Studies, Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, International Relations, Language and Literary Studies, and Linguistics.