We are looking for a new colleague specialised in aesthetics, i.e. the philosophy of art. The field is understood broadly, including historical theories of beauty and aesthetic experience, reflections on particular forms of art (literature, music, etc.), cognitive theories of art, the role of art in society, the relation between morality and art works, the ontology of art, and more.

Your job
We are looking for a colleague who is able to connect their expertise in aesthetics to relevant questions in theoretical philosophy and/or practical philosophy and/or the history of philosophy. You will teach various courses in aesthetics, as well as courses in other subfields of philosophy (depending on your expertise). At the department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, research is embedded in three groups: History of Philosophy, Theoretical Philosophy, and the Ethics Institute. You will be embedded in one or more of these groups, depending on your expertise. Therefore, you are asked to link your research expertise in aesthetics to one or more other subfields and topics in philosophy.

We highly value interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate’s research specialisation should facilitate collaborations within one or more of the Utrecht University’s research strategic themes (Institutions for Open Societies, Dynamics of Youth, Pathways to Sustainability, Life Sciences) or focus areas. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration are also with various other departments and programmes in the Faculty of Humanities where the arts are studied: the department of History and Art History, the department of Languages, Literature and Communication, and the department of Media and Culture Studies.

We highly value connecting our research and teaching to societal stakeholders, in various forms of public outreach and engagement, collaborative research projects, etc. This is as much a contribution to society as an enrichment of our own fundamental research. We expect you to create an agenda for societal impact for your work in aesthetics.

We are looking for a colleague who has an open and enthusiastic attitude. You have the willingness and ability to contribute actively to the formation of learning communities of staff and students. Except for that, you:

• hold a completed PhD in Philosophy (or, in exceptional cases, in a closely related field), by the time of appointment;
• have teaching experience in BA and/or MA programmes and research expertise in the domain of aesthetics in connection to one or more of the following domains: theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy, and history of philosophy;
• have a research specialisation within Philosophy and Aesthetics, as evidenced by a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognised as contributing to the field;
• have a realistic medium-term research plan, aiming for publications in leading journals, with potential for obtaining external research funding;
• display an interdisciplinary attitude: the willingness and ability to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary teaching and research, particularly in the research strategic themes and focus areas listed above;
• are interested in team teaching and team science;
• are able to teach in Dutch and English. International candidates will be helped to acquire Dutch language skills in the first two years of their appointment;
• hold, or are willing to obtain, the Dutch University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; in Dutch: Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO). The BKO is recognised by all 14 Dutch universities. Candidates who do not yet have a BKO or an international equivalent will receive support to obtain this qualification in the first two years of their appointment;
• are willing to develop a societal impact agenda related to your academic work in aesthetics research and teaching;
• have an open and enthusiastic attitude: the willingness and ability to contribute actively to the formation of learning communities of staff and students.

(Personal) leadership and responsibility are part of your job. That is why you recognize yourself in the following core values that are central to the Faculty of Humanities: professionalism, transparency, responsibility, connection and safety. These core values apply to everyone and we uphold these values in our work and in our communication with each other and to others. Read more about our core values and how they translate into concrete behaviour.

We offer:

• an employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of a permanent contract;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,332 and €6,737 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11-12 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

The allocation is set to 40% research and 60% teaching. Within the 60% for teaching, there is 10% free space that will not be scheduled.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Utrecht University works with the TRIPLE model; this makes it possible to recognise and value multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary teaching and research. The model also embraces job diversification and dynamic career paths: there is room to develop your own strengths and look at how you complement and strengthen the team as a whole.

Universiteit Utrecht

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 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.