Job description

The section History of International Relations external link (HIR) within the Department of History and Art History is looking for an Assistant Professor in Contemporary Conflict Studies. At HIR we study the history of international relations and global configurations of power and politics from an empirically grounded perspective, and with a keen interest in theoretical innovation. The section is organized along three thematic hubs: ‘Conflict and Security’, ‘Global and Imperial Relations’ and ‘Europe in the World.’ Each has its own vibrant intellectual community. We increasingly work and teach at the cross-sections of these fields on issues such as peace and diplomacy, environmental governance, decolonization, war, violence, terrorism and technology. We value team science, research-informed teaching, and we jointly run a series of ambitious educational programmes and community engagement learning labs. We aim to be both outspoken and nuanced in our public engagement activities.

Within the thematic hub ‘Conflict and Security,’ the contemporary Conflict Studies group external link focuses on the dynamics of contemporary violent conflicts and collective violence. It aims to unravel the complexity of the web of relations producing contemporary conflict, war, and collective violence, and the ways clusters of conflict cross-infect and exacerbate each other. We combine open-source investigation with fieldwork in areas ranging from Iraq, Syria, Colombia, from El Salvador to the US, France, and the Netherlands, drawing on a variety of academic disciplines such as anthropology, political sociology, international relations, and critical political economy. Currently, the Conflict Studies group is involved in a range of projects, including governance and mobilization of gangs, militias, and paramilitaries; Remote Warfare and new technologies of violence; Urban violence and policing; Weaponizing the environment; Cyberwarfare, and Genocide.

Our research is closely linked to the teaching we do in the minor in Conflict Studies and in the MA programme in Conflict Studies and Human Rights. We are looking for applicants specialized in the field of contemporary conflict studies with a keen interest in teaching and a specialization that complements our expertise (both regional , and thematic ).

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following qualifications:

a PhD degree in Conflict Studies, Security Studies, International Relations, Political Science, International Sociology, Political Geography, History or a related discipline;
experience with teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, with a keen interest in engaging in teaching innovation and curriculum development, and a commitment to thesis and internship supervision in the MA Conflict Studies and Human Rights.
a clear teaching philosophy, presented in a 1-page teaching philosophy statement in which you reflect on your teaching beliefs and practices, and the skills and knowledge you can bring to the existing teaching programs—namely, the CS minor and Master, but also to other courses taught by the section HIR;
a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research at the forefront of the field of Conflict Studies, showing societal significance, originality, and academic rigor;
an innovative research theme and strategy, outlined in a 1-page research statement, posing innovative and pressing questions related to the field of Conflict Studies, and aiming to contribute to team science, to engaging in interdisciplinary/international research projects, and to publishing in leading journals, with potential for attracting external research funding.
demonstrated interest in engaging with stakeholders and wider audiences to co-create knowledge and to assist in developing the impact of research beyond the university.
ability to play an appropriate role in departmental management and in thematic hubs, and to contribute fully to the academic life of the department.

Utrecht University has a teaching qualification system for university lecturers. The successful candidate is required to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification

external link (BKO) within two years if they are not already in possession of one.

Candidates are expected to be proficient in both Dutch and English; non-Dutch candidates will need to master the Dutch language on an academic level within two years.

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome all employees who contribute to the diversity at our faculty through their unique background and perspective.

Offer

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE), as from 15 January 2024 at the latest, for one year in an international working environment. After positive evaluation, this can be turned into a permanent position. The gross salary – depending on previous qualifications and experience – ranges between €3,974 and €5,439 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) 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.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions external link, including an attractive retirement scheme, professional development external link, (partly paid) parental leave, sports external link and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University external link.

About the organisation

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University external link, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes external link. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow external link.

You can watch the Utrecht University Campus Tour to get an impression of our university.

The Faculty of Humanities external link 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 external link, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

external link policy.

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.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Chris van der Borgh

external link (Associate Professor Conflict Studies and coordinator of the MA Conflict Studies and Human Rights) at c.vanderborgh@uu.nl external link.

Apply

Everyone deserves to feel at home external link at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, a teaching and research statement (both max 1 page), and a letter of motivation via the ‘apply now’ button.

Interviews will take place in week 39 (first round), and the beginning of week 41 (2nd round) We have a strong preference for in-person interviews in Utrecht. However, online interviews will be possible in exceptional cases.

The application deadline is 3 September 2023.