Professor of Europe in a Global Context

The Department of History, European Studies, Religious Studies, and CEDLA-Latin American Studies of the University of Amsterdam is looking to appoint a full Professor of Europe in a Global Context.

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Context of the chair

This professorship in European Studies focuses on Europe and its relations in a global context. This chair will strengthen the interdisciplinary profile of European Studies in the Faculty of Humanities by focusing on Europe's connections, interdependence and post-colonial legacies with other world regions. In doing so, it will also study the long-term changes in global dynamics and their political, cultural and social consequences for Europe’s position in the global world. Possible research themes could be (though are not limited to): security; environmental issues; transnational mobility (such as migration or transatlantic trade); EU foreign policy; European institutions and legacies of imperial structures; Europe as a global actor in the field of cultural developments and social movements. Expertise in the impact and interactions between the European continent and other continents is an explicit requirement of this professorship. Teaching and research of this professorship involve both European and non-European perspectives on the possible themes listed above, critically (re)assessing and contributing to an understanding of Europe’s interests, interdependencies and conflicts with other world regions. The candidate is expected to take a leading, proactive role within their interdisciplinary chair group, the department and the research school, and in research priority areas of the Faculty.

Teaching

The professor is an engaging teacher who participates in the bilingually-taught (English and Dutch) teaching programme of the BA European Studies/Europese Studies and the English taught MA European Studies, consisting of the three tracks: European Policy, Identity & Integration, and East European Studies.
The professor is able to further develop these educational BA and MA programmes in collaboration with colleagues, and to design and teach courses that focus on how Europe and the European Union engage and reflect upon other world regions and how they respond to global challenges. The chair is expected to further shape the expertise of Europe in a global context and to transfer this agenda into the teaching programmes.
Importantly, the candidate has a vision on how to make the European Studies curriculum more diverse and inclusive, specifically in a global context. More details can be found at: European Studies - University of Amsterdam 

Research

The professor is part of the Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies (ARTES) and initiates, stimulates and develops research that addresses Europe in a global context, specifically on the shifting power balance between Europe, former colonies and other world regions and its political, cultural and/or social consequences. As a chair in the multidisciplinary research environment of ARTES, a school of area studies, the successful candidate demonstrates a proven track record of multi- or interdisciplinary collaboration with the social sciences and/or law, as well as an interest in interdisciplinary methods. Firmly embedded in the Faculty of Humanities, the chair presupposes a strong affinity with linguistic and cultural diversity, and is expected to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community of scholars.

The professor plays an active role in identifying and supervising potential PhD candidates and ensuring that candidates with a disadvantaged or non-traditional background receive appropriate support in the process.
Of particular importance is the professor's ability to attract research funding and to encourage and guide others in successfully applying for external funding. In addition, we are looking for candidates who can strengthen collaborations with key academic, cultural and/or policy stakeholders in the Netherlands and Europe, and who have a keen interest in public outreach.

Leadership

We are looking for a dedicated team leader who can support and motivate colleagues and create a nurturing environment in which others can thrive. You will lead the group Europe in a Global Context (an interdisciplinary team of approx. 10-15 lecturers with expertise in the Humanities and Social Sciences) in terms of human resource management (career development, professionalisation, coordination) and offer mentorship. The group is part of the European Studies/Europese Studies capacity group and the larger Department of History, European Studies, Religious Studies and Hermetic Philosophy, and Latin American Studies (approx. 115 FTE). You are willing and able to take on additional administrative responsibilities at departmental and/or faculty level (such as head of department, teaching director, research director).

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

• Teaching in the field of Europe in a global context from transnational and global perspectives, including supervising Bachelor and Master theses;
• Supervising PhD candidates;
• contributing to innovation and improvement of the curriculum in the field of European Studies, specifically Europe’s connections to other world regions;
• Addressing research themes and projects within the chair group and relevant research clusters in ARTES;
• Actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European;
• Carrying out HR-responsibilities within the chair group European Studies/Europese Studies;
• Carrying out administrative and management tasks within the Department and Faculty.

This is what we ask of you

Successful candidates for the position are expected to meet the following requirements.

• PhD in the Humanities or other related disciplines relevant for Europe in a Global Context;
• Excellent international academic reputation and publication profile, which match the research themes of ARTES;
• Proven track record of multi- or interdisciplinary collaboration with the Social and Political Sciences and/or Law, as well as a strong expertise or interest in working with interdisciplinary methods;
• Experienced and engaged teacher at all levels of academic training;
• Expertise in developing and renewing teaching programmes at Bachelor and Master levels;
• Track record of applying for/acquiring external research funding;
• Experience with attracting and supervising PhD projects and junior researchers;
• Proven management and leadership qualities and a dedicated administrator;
• Broad international network with academic and cultural institutions;
• Affinity with outreach and knowledge exchange beyond academic settings;
• A Dutch University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained a Dutch UTQ you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the qualification within three years of employment;*
• Good command of Dutch and English. If you are not fluent in Dutch, an active and passive command must be acquired within the first two years of employment and the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed.*

(*) The Faculty will assist in this process.

Please go to the following webpage for more information on being a professor at the UvA.

This is what we offer you 

We offer permanent employment upon appointment. The employment contract is for 38 hours per week. The expected starting date is 01 September 2027.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, is in accordance with professor salary scale 2, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance). A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

More information about working at the UvA can be found here.

What else do we offer?

• The opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• Excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• An inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.
• The opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at research institutes that - partly as a result of their interdisciplinary approach - are world-renowned.

More information for employees moving from abroad can be found here: Practical information for international employees | Work at the University of Amsterdam

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in the field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you see yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.

Your application should include the following information:

• A cover letter (max. 2 A4 pages), including a paragraph that briefly outlines your specific vision on research and teaching;
• A detailed CV (no photos please);
• A list of publications, indicating which two to three publications you consider to be most representative of your research profile.

Please submit the required information as a single PDF file (via the 'Apply' button above).

The vacancy closes on 12 August 2026. Only complete applications received within the response period will be considered.

The first round of interviews will be held in the course of mid-October 2026. A trial lecture and research presentation may be part of the application process.

Questions?

For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:

Prof. dr. Daniëlle Slootjes, d.slootjes@uva.nl  
Chair of the Department History, European Studies, Religious Studies, and CEDLA-Latin American Studies

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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