Full Professor of Comparative Literature (1.0 FTE)

The Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University invites applications for the position of a Full Professor in Comparative Literature (full-time, 1.0 FTE) at the Department of Languages, Literature and Communication.

Your job
Are you the leading expert in the field of comparative literature with a strong profile in research and teaching we are looking for? As a full professor you are expected to represent the field in a wide sense, with a special focus on multilingualism, cultural diversity on a global scale, and literary theory, with a preference for a focus on the modern period (after ca. 1750). Ideally, you have been successful in attracting external funding, have a proven, excellent research and teaching track record at senior level, and are active in scholarly networks. More specifically, you have experience in interdisciplinary collaborative research groups or initiatives.

In forming our teams and in leadership diversity and inclusion are leading principles, so that together we create an environment in which all who work here feel respected and safe.

Description
The professorship is one of the two full professorships in the section of Literary Studies. The chairholder will perform leadership tasks in teaching and research vis-à-vis the more than 20 staff members of the section and is expected to co-operate with and inspire colleagues in literature and culture studies in other sections, departments and faculties of Utrecht University. Literary Studies at Utrecht University is an interdisciplinary domain anchored in the study of languages, history, culture, theory, and media studies. It has a strong profile in cultural memory and heritage, environmental humanities, digital humanities, post/decolonial studies, intermedia and creativity studies, translation and migration studies, and medical humanities.

The chair has a special focus on literary theory (e.g. poetics, narratology, aesthetics, genre and reception studies, cultural theory, critique), cultural diversity (e.g. intercultural literary studies, post/decolonial studies, comparative literary history), and multilingualism. The bilingual (Dutch/English) BA programme of Literary Studies has a yearly influx of over 80 students. The section plays an important role in coordinating an MA and RMA programme, in which it collaborates with the sections of Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian: Literature Today (bilingual) and Comparative Literary Studies (English). It also contributes to literature and culture courses in the Liberal Arts programmes.

The section of Literary Studies comprises culturally and linguistically diverse, ambitious, internationally recognised researchers, both junior and senior, who require energetic and involved leadership. We work in multiple languages and media. Our work revolves around comparison as an interdisciplinary practice, using multi-temporal, multilingual, intermedial, and critical frameworks in our teaching and research. We cherish the multicultural setting of our group, which reflects our mission to contribute to cross-cultural understanding. We value and play an important role in interdisciplinary research and teaching programmes across the faculty and university, such as the MSc Medical Humanities, while within the department we especially foster collaborations with the language and culture sections. We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That is why we assess both individual and team performances. We stimulate academic leadership at all levels and encourage staff members to share the results of scientific research with society in order to contribute to societal change.

We are searching for enthusiastic colleagues who recognise themselves in the above-mentioned values and who meet the requirements below:

• an excellent track record in high-profile international research in one or more disciplines within the field of comparative literature, with a focus on literary theory, multilingualism (research in literary traditions in at least three languages is required, including at least one non-anglophone cultural tradition) and cultural diversity in interaction between Europe and other parts of the world;
• the proven ability to build and expand their own, innovative research line, which includes the acquisition of research grants and the supervision and coaching of junior researchers;
• an excellent track record in academic teaching, which includes experience with quality control at curriculum level and the coaching and supervising of a team of teachers;
• willingness and capability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations within Utrecht University, in research and teaching;
• experience in leading and guiding a culturally diverse team, with organisational and communicative excellence, empathy and involved leadership skills at senior level;
• good command of English and Dutch (C1 level); candidates who do not speak Dutch are expected to learn it and reach C1 level within two years of the date of appointment; we believe that understanding and being able to speak and write Dutch is essential to connect and communicate with students and colleagues and institutionally support the acquisition of Dutch language skills; in case of equal suitability, the ability to speak Dutch is one of the criteria according to which prioritisation is made;
• willingness and capability to fulfill managerial tasks in the department and the faculty.

• a position of 1.0 FTE. In accordance with standard practice at Utrecht University, we offer a professorship for a period of five years, though the position is permanent: if after the five-year period a positive evaluation ensues, the professorship will become permanent too;
• a full-time gross salary between €6,648 and €9,680 in scale H2 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow.

For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

The core values of the faculty for Humanities are professionalism, transparency, responsibility, connectedness and safety. These values apply to everyone and we uphold these values in our work and in our communication with each other and with others.