University of Leiden
Faculty of Humanities, Institute for History/ Leiden Institute for Area Studies

Lecturer in History of International Relations or Comparative Politics

38 hours per week
Vacancy number: 13-141

The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University invites applications for a fulltime lectureship in the History of International Relations or in Comparative Politics. Regional specialization is open. Teaching duties will lie primarily in the MA program in International Studies (see http://hum.leiden.edu/international-relations/international-studies/-programme-international-studies.html). Initial appointment will be fixed-term from August 2013 through July 2015, with the possibility of extensions of four years thereafter. Leiden University aims to employ more women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore especially invited to apply

The MA International Studies is primarily concerned with the interrelationship between global, regional and national ideas and policies, across time and space. The programme stems from a multidisciplinary faculty, and is firmly anchored within the humanities. It explicitly focuses on multiple levels of analysis, bridging the gap between relations among states (international relations) and developments within states (comparative politics). The candidate will be expected to teach global international relations from a historical perspective. Contemporary historians and specialists in IR and Comparative Politics with relevant experience are especially invited to apply. The MA International Studies is a new programme, and offers ample opportunity to the candidate to give substance to his / her own teaching.

Depending on specialization, the lecturer will hold a position in the Institute for Area Studies or the Institute for History. S/he will teach survey courses and seminar courses in International Studies, and in other programs and courses as required, on undergraduate and graduate levels.

Tasks

  • Original research and regular dissemination of the results through appropriate channels.
  • Teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, in lecture and seminar formats, and supervision of MA and BA theses; contributions to curriculum development.
  • Co-supervision of PhD research.
  • Acquisition of project funding (NWO, ERC, etc).
  • Administrative duties, commensurate with career stage.
  • Representation of the field to external audiences and media.

Requirements

  • A PhD degree in a relevant field, and a publication record that is commensurate with career stage.
  • Demonstrable commitment to high-quality teaching practice, and wide teaching scope in terms of content.
  • An excellent command of English.
  • If the successful applicant is not Dutch-speaking, s/he is expected to acquire a good command of Dutch within two years from taking up duty, through tuition at the University’s Academic Language Center (funded by the employer).
  • Upon appointment, depending on experience and formal qualifications to date, the lecturer may be required to enter a nationally standardized tertiary teaching skills certification trajectory (BKO or Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs), successful completion of which is a condition for extensions and tenure.

We offer
The appointment is for 38 hours per week in temporary employment for two years, with the possibility of extension for four years thereafter. The rank of lecturer (Universitair Docent) corresponds roughly to that of assistant professor in North-American terms. The salary will be between the gross minimum of € 3.227,- and gross maximum of € 4.418 per month (scale 11) for a full working week in accordance with the collective salary agreement of the Associations of Dutch universities (CAO) and depending on qualifications and experience. Leiden University also offers an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%.

Depending on qualifications, the appointee may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until s/he fully meets the requirements for scale 11 as specified by the Faculty of Humanities, particularly with regard to teaching skills certification and the number of years of relevant work experience. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Information
Further information regarding this position can be obtained from the chair of the programme: Prof. André W.M. Gerrits (a.w.m.gerrits@hum.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications
Applications should be in English, and be submitted to the International Studies Search Committee at vacaturesgeschiedenis@hum.leidenuniv.nl via the Apply button below, with the items listed below included in this order in a single PDF document named ‘FAMILY NAME / Position MAIS’:

  • Curriculum Vitae including education and employment history, publications, and courses taught
  • Letter of motivation, which shows clear affinity with and specific knowledge of the area of International Studies (max. 1 page)
  • Research agenda with clear potential for grant applications to funding agencies such as NWO and ERC
  • Two sample course descriptions (max. 1 page each)
  • Names, positions and email addresses of three referees (no reference letters).

The deadline for the submission of applications is May 26, 2013. Interviews are scheduled from June 10th.