Utrecht University is offering a new Undergraduate (Bachelor) programme in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) as from September 2018. The programme is selective, admitting 75 students per year and providing an intensive, small-scale and interdisciplinary training in the study of political and economic institutions, from the point of view of four disciplines: Philosophy, History, Politics and Economics. To support the programme, we are searching for an Assistant Professor in Economic and Social History (1.0 FTE).

The Assistant Professor will be appointed at one of the Departments participating in the PPE programme, the Department of History and Art History. The Assistant Professor will be involved in high-quality teaching and supervision tasks within the PPE Undergraduate programme, and to a more limited extent also in the regular programmes offered by the Department of History and Art History. Research activities will also take place within this Department.

Candidates are invited to apply to this position. They should both fulfill the general requirements and fit into the field of Economic and Social History. In selecting candidates, the committee will seek to achieve a balanced composition of the PPE team, with respect to disciplinary backgrounds, gender and ethnic and cultural diversity. Successful candidates are team players. Candidates are expected to be versatile in both Dutch and English; non-Dutch candidates will need to master the Dutch language on an academic level within two years.

The successful candidate will have:

• a broad academic interest in questions with respect to economic and political history and institutions (democracy, rule of law, public organizations, markets, firms, etc.), with a clear focus on the origin, dynamics and societal outcomes of these institutions;
• a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrate the ability to conduct research which is internationally excellent in significance, originality and rigour;
• a research agenda within this field, rooted in Economic and Social History as evidenced by a realistic medium-term research plan, aiming for publications in leading journals, with potential for attracting/securing external research funding;
• experience with teaching in undergraduate and/or graduate (BA and/or MA) programs, preferably in the field of economic and social history and/or political and economic institutions. A university teaching qualification is desired but not required; in case the candidate does not have one, he/she will be expected to follow the procedure for obtaining the qualification within two years of appointment;
• an interdisciplinary attitude: the willingness and abilities to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary teaching and research with respect to the functioning of political and economic institutions, and to participate actively in the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) at Utrecht University;
• willingness and ability to connect to social practices and public debates;
• proven ability to engage with international developments and societal challenges reaching beyond borders;
• an open and enthusiastic attitude;
• the willingness and abilities to contribute actively to the formation of a close-knit PPE community of staff and students, both in teaching and extracurricular activities;
• excellent communication and coordination skills;
• excellent proficiency in spoken and written English; 
• a doctorate in Economic and Social History or a related discipline;
• a firm grounding in the Economic and Social History of preferably the 19th and 20th centuries, evidenced by a strong publication profile and ample teaching experience;
• a focus on innovative research within the field of Economic and Social History;
• solid expertise in theories and methods for the study of Economic and Social Hstory, including extensive experience in critical source analysis.

The standard research time allotted to Assistant Professors in the Department is currently 30%. Candidates for this position will also be offered 70% teaching and 30% research responsibilities. The initial appointment, at least from August 1 2019, will be on a temporary basis for a period of one year. Subject to satisfactory performance, this will be followed by a permanent appointment.

The starting salary depends on qualifications and experience and ranges from €2,709 to €4,978 (scale 10/11 of the Collective Employment Agreement for Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. A favorable tax regime may apply for foreign applicants. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including attractive retirement scheme and (partly paid) parental leave.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. Through its research and teaching in these domains, 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 facilities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.