FASoS is seeking an assistant professor with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research in Literary Studies, with expertise in connecting the discussion of primary literary works to contemporary societal problems. Areas of interest are: either ‘gender & diversity’, in particular in relation to global studies/post colonialism, or ‘environmental humanities’. Furthermore, the candidate should have expertise in methodologies to investigate new digital ways of reading and writing, and/or in ethnographic approaches to literature. 

Research is carried out within the context of the Research Institute for Arts and Social Sciences (see: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/fasos-research-institute and, in particular, relating to the interdisciplinary research programme Arts, Media & Culture (see: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/fasos-research-institute/research-organisation/arts-media-and-culture. The candidate is expected to attract external funding that is related to the faculty’s core research themes and set up international research projects.

The selected candidate will contribute to the teaching and coordination of courses and supervision of internships, projects and theses in the BA and MA programmes of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and in the BA programme of the Liberal Arts & Sciences in the Faculty Humanities and Science.

The division of teaching and research duties follows the regular division used at the Faculty of 60% teaching and management and 40% research. The research time can be extended through external fundraising.

You have a PhD degree in Literary Studies with a focus on ‘gender & diversity’, in particular in relation to global studies/post colonialism, or ‘environmental humanities’. You are fluent in English, and, if applicable, willing to learn Dutch (basic level). You gained relevant postdoctoral work experience in an academic position at a university.

You are an experienced and enthusiastic teacher and have demonstrated ability in thesis supervision and teaching coordination roles. Experience with course development is an asset. You are able to stimulate student learning and to maximize student participation in our system of small-scale problem-based learning (PBL). Experience with teaching in international classrooms is preferable.

You display outstanding quality in research and have experience with interdisciplinarity. You have a relevant international network and a track record or potential for grant acquisition. International peer-reviewed academic publications are imperative.

The candidate is expected to be a team player, to have an open, effective management and communication style, and is capable to fulfil an administrative role in the faculty. 

Maastricht University provides an attractive, internationally-oriented academic environment where young people receive an advanced education and scholars conduct first-rate research.

Initially, candidates are employed on a temporary contract as assistant professor (level 2) and agree to specific development goals. Five years into the appointment, candidates will be evaluated and if the development goals have been met, promoted to assistant professor (level 1) on a permanent contract. The evaluation can be brought forward if criteria are met earlier. On the candidate’s request the evaluation can be deferred in case of special personal circumstances, such as pregnancy leave, parental leave or chronic illness.

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels, depending on education and relevant work experience. This implies a minimum of € 3.637,-- and a maximum of € 4.978,-- gross per month for a full-time appointment of 38 hours per week (salary scale 11, Dutch Universities Conditions of Employment).

Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

The university’s relocation policy stipulates that the selected candidate needs to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. If not already living in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), (s)he will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs or an allowance for alternative housing.  Other secondary conditions include e.g. a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave as well as a shared office space and a PC.   

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Starting date: Preferably January 1st, 2020.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) has about 250 staff members, and about 1,600 students. More than 76% of the students are non-Dutch (64 different nationalities). All programmes are offered in English and some are also offered in Dutch. FASoS offers three 3-year bachelor’s programmes: Arts and Culture, European Studies and Digital Society. It also offers eight different 1-year master’s programmes and two 2-year research master’s programmes.

Research is organised around four programmes: Politics and Culture in Europe; Science, Technology and Society Studies; Arts, Media and Culture; and Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is housed in the historic city centre of Maastricht.