Endowed Prof. in Historical Cultures of Germany in a European and Global Context

The endowed chair in Historical Cultures of Germany in a European and Global Context was established by the Germany Institute Amsterdam (DIA) and stems from its desire to advance the theoretical-historiographical aspects of the study of German history.

Established in 2012, the chair focuses on German 'Geschichtskultur' in its various manifestations, that is, in historical scholarship as well as in media, politics, and private life both within Germany and more broadly in a European and global context. In the first term of the chair, the emphasis was on the international-comparative analysis of how the 'short' 20th century (1914–1990) was shaped and discussed in Germany after 1945. In the second and third terms, the emphasis shifted to the significance of Romanticism in contemporary processes of giving meaning to works canonized in that context. Now, in the fourth term, the profile will shift back to the political, social and cultural history of the 20th century and the decades following German reunification. The chair will critically review the meaning of key German historical experiences – such as genocide, fascism and colonialism – for the present in both European and global contexts.

The chair will be established in the Department of Arts & Culture, History and Antiquity (AHA) of the Faculty of Humanities at VU, in the chair group Global Political History.

Your duties

• conduct research in coordination with colleagues in related research areas
• teach in the department's bachelor and master programs
• supervise PhD students

The candidate:

• has obtained a relevant PhD
• has a high quality, international academic reputation based on publications, (guest) professorships, contributions to international forums, and conferences in multiple disciplines
• has proven experience in acquiring (international) research projects and has plans for the realisation of new projects and research collaborations
• possesses demonstrable international organisational qualities, as evidenced by participation in international collaborations and congresses
• has experience in supervising researchers, in particular PhD students, and a strong track record in university education
• has excellent command of the English language
• preferably, excellent command of the Dutch language or, for non-Dutch applicants, a willingness to acquire a working knowledge of Dutch within two years of the appointment

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. Women and persons of colour are especially encouraged to apply.

A challenging position in a committed team, socially engaged organisation and a vibrant international city. The chair is established for a period of five years, with continuation of five years at a time. The position is not remunerated. The endowed professor will receive an annual stipend of € 2.500,-.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

The new Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities aspires to be the intellectual and philosophical core of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Its mission is to enhance the self-understanding of humanity and society, to interpret cultural, social, and political developments and to study the nature of institutions and cultural artifacts in an age of artificial intelligence in which science, morality and religion are both juxtaposed and opposed. It thus serves an open society in the spirit of the origins and special character of the VU Amsterdam. By bringing closer together educational research and valorization activities in the social sciences, humanities and religious science and theology, the integrated faculty aims to invest in a scientific orientation to values, interpretation of meaning and encouragement of world citizenship as guiding and critical principles in an expected ongoing technologization of society.

The faculty has three schools: the School of Religion & Theology (SRT), the School of Social Sciences (SSc), and the School of Humanities (SH). The faculty has about 800 employees and over 5,000 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 VU Amsterdam. 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.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.