You are a leading researcher in the area of social work in the Netherlands and also internationally recognised. In research you explicitly address moral questions and moral dilemmas, and the sense of purpose and humanisation, primarily for the benefit of citizens/clients but also for the benefit of social workers themselves.

You are an expert in the area of scientific research on the practice of social work in the social domain in a broad sense, including mental health services, intellectual disability care and youth care. In this capacity, they will work in collaboration with professors of social work at universities of applied sciences. You will also develop an accredited academic Master’s programme in Social Work in close cooperation with internal and external partners, by initiating and successfully completing the necessary accreditation (and other) procedures to this end. See also the advisory report for detailed information.

• To initiate, promote and supervise scientific research on social work in a programme-based approach, in relation to national and international developments;
• To demonstrate initiative, leadership and vision;
• To actively and systematically engage in fundraising for research and to supervise and encourage colleagues to do the same;
• To manage the complete process from planning to accreditation and implementation of the academic Master’s programme in Social Work;
• To play an essential academic and societal role in creating a perspective on the meaning of social work within the context of an evolving and pluralistic society. In so doing, to put social work both scientifically and socially on the map;
• To be a familiar and inspiring point of contact for external partners, including the media, with regard to social, policy and professional developments and the role of social workers within these developments;
• To contribute to synthesizing activities related to social work research in the Netherlands and Flanders, and internationally, by organizing conferences, symposiums and publications.

At a small university such as the UvH, staff members play an instrumental role in shaping policy. We are therefore looking for someone who possesses the political sensitivity and personal qualities needed to maintain and lead a unified research group. You will also be part of the management team consisting of the department chairs, Executive Board members and deans of education and research.

• PhD in Social Sciences;
• Extensive experience in setting up, implementing and supervising academic research in the area of social work, including through the supervision of PhD students;
• Extensive experience and a good track record in relation to fundraising for research from indirect funding and contract funding;
• Strong publication record with regard to international academic discussions on current matters of concern to social work in a broad sense;
• Proven up-to-date knowledge of and views on relevant national and international scientific and societal debates relating to social work and a clear vision of the meaning of social work in relation to the major questions of our time, and of ways to express and develop this vision through higher education, research and societal impact;
• Able to lead and inspire a team of young, talented academic professionals;
• Excellent interpersonal and communicative skills with respect to different target groups, ranging from students, colleagues and executive social workers to research donors and policy makers;
• Wide network in social work science and practice;
• Enthusiastic and inspiring lecturer, with extensive experience of and vision for the development of new areas of high-quality academic higher education;
• Affinity with humanistic sources of inspiration and experience with research and teaching on moral dilemmas in social work, and opportunities for humanisation and the sense of purpose for both citizens/clients as well as social workers;
• English language proficiency at C1 level or willingness to attain this level;
• Excellent oral and written Dutch language skills;
• Affinity with the Recognition & Rewards programme.

Fixed-term contract: 18 months with the prospect of a permanent contract.

• An innovative and vibrant community of scholars and educators;
• A temporary contract for 18 months with the prospect of a permanent contract; a position classified as Full Professor level 2 under the Dutch University Job Classification System UFO (salary scale H2, Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), step is depending on your scientific track record and experience;
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• 11 extra days off instead of the legally allotted 20 (in case of full-time employment);
• Arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home;
• Ability to compose part of your employment conditions yourself (by Individual choices Model);
• A good pension plan via ABP;
• Plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realize your ambitions. 

University of Humanistic Studies

The University of Humanistic Studies is an independent university located in a historical building in the centre of Utrecht. Our education and research, inspired by the worldviews and traditions of humanism, is focusing on contemporary issues with a normative component oriented towards the building of humane and caring societies.

5 chair groups are offering a bachelor programme, 3 master programmes and a PhD graduate school to 650 students. We have the ambition to grow in number of students, research and realization of social impact. Together with 120 members of academic and support staff we work in an personal and including atmosphere. For more information: www.uvh.nl