Assistant Professor of Medieval English Literature

We are looking for a colleague who can enthuse and inspire students at undergraduate and graduate level through seminars, lectures and supervision. You will contribute to the research, teaching and public engagement of the department of Languages, Literature and Communication from a specialisation in Old or Middle English Literature. 

Your job

In this position, you will develop and strengthen the teaching and research of medieval English literature, within the BA programme English Language and Culture and in the department at large. This will be in collaboration with colleagues from the division of English and with those from the other languages, notably Celtic and Classical Languages and Cultures and Literary Studies. In addition, you will contribute to one or more of the MA programmes: the two-year Research MA Programmes: Ancient Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Comparative Literary Studies; and the one-year MA Literature Today. You will also contribute to undergraduate courses in early modern and modern literatures in English. 

As part of your affiliation with the Institute for Cultural Inquiry affiliation, you will join the Utrecht University Centre for Medieval Studies. 

Your qualities

You have the willingness and ability to contribute actively to the formation of learning communities of staff and students. In addition, you:

• Hold a completed PhD in Medieval English Literature (or closely related field), by the time of appointment;
• Have undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching experience in the same domain and preferably also in other periods;
• Have a research specialisation within Medieval English Literature, 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;
• Have excellent communication skills and are capable of inspiring team spirit;
• Have native or near-native competence in English, and a willingness to become proficient in Dutch within 2 years of appointment;
• Hold, or are willing to obtain, the Dutch University Teaching Qualification(UTQ; in Dutch: Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO). The UTQ 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. 

(Personal) leadership and responsibility are part of your job. That is why you recognise 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. 

Our offer

We offer:

• An employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of a permanent employment contract; 
• A working week of 38 hours, of which 40% consists of research and 60% teaching;
• 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.  

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. 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. 

About the organisation

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. Shaping science, sharing 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 department of Languages, Literature and Communication has 11 sections. They nurture a tradition of intensive and harmonious cooperation. Bachelor's programmes are attached to all sections, except Translation/Intercultural Communication/Education, which only has Master's programmes. The sections work closely together in one- and two-year Master's programmes. Teacher-training programmes are housed within the interfaculty Graduate School of Teaching. Our research is housed in two research institutes: the Institute for Language Sciences (ILS) and the Institute for Cultural Studies Research (ICON). As a researcher you will be part of ICON. Staff are internationally oriented and come from many countries. 

You will work within the English Language and Culture Section, a transdisciplinary and international group that combines expertise in the linguistics, literature, and cultural history of the English-speaking countries.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr Lieke Stelling at L.J.Stelling@uu.nl. 

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute. 

We would like to receive the following information with your application:

• Your motivation letter;
• Your CV, including a publication list and the names and contact details of two referees;
• A concise research plan showing alignment with the research profile of the department, including ideas about grant applications (max. 400 words);
• A concise teaching statement, outlining your vision about academic teaching in relation to your own subject area (max. 400 words).

Interviews will be held in two rounds: round 1 is online and round 2 is on location, and includes a teaching demonstration. Specific dates will be added to this vacancy as soon as possible. 

A formal assessment may be part of the application procedure. The start date is 1 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.