Assistant Professor Colonial Environmental History and Decolonial Futures

What are you going to do?

We are looking for a colleague who will teach and conduct research on colonial environmental history, particularly on how intersections of colonisation and environmental extraction can inform our imaginations of decolonial futures. You will provide education in the dynamic context of the History degree programmes at UvA with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods on these and related topics for both BA and MA students. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies (ASH), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR). This position also aligns with the newly established Decolonial Futures research priority area (RPA), which brings together scholars from across the humanities, social sciences, and law with the aim of establishing what more just, decolonial futures could look like and how (competing) claims for reparative justice could be addressed to make these futures possible.

Tasks and responsibilities

• designing and conducting independent research on colonial environmental history and its implications for imagining decolonial futures, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European;
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies, particularly in its research group Environment and Society;
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses, in Dutch and English, in the Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s programmes in History;
• supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
• actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department;
• taking part in committees and working groups, and carrying out departmental administrative tasks as directed.

What do you have to offer?

You are a researcher working on colonial environmental history and its legacies. You are able to position your work in relation to Amsterdam’s colonial legacy. Your projects and publications show a research focus on themes connected to the legacies of colonialism, particularly environmental and human exploitation, ecological interventions, or climate change, and inform a dialogue between colonial environmental history and decolonial perspectives. Your research matches the profile of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies and contributes to the Research Priority Area Decolonial Futures.

You are able to develop and teach courses on environmental history which includes decolonial perspectives. In particular, you will contribute to the further development of the UvA BA and History tracks and contribute to organising collaborations with societal partners. We value your ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in our BA and MA programmes that could attract a wide range of students, as well as a creative approach to engaging stakeholders inside and outside the university. You are committed to fostering an inclusive classroom.

Your experience and profile

Candidates need to have the following qualifications:

• a PhD in history or related disciplines in the social sciences and humanities;
• clear potential for developing a strong publication record commensurate with the stage of your academic career and the ability and ambition to obtain external research and/or project grants;
• an international academic network in the research area and in the field of heritage institutions concerned, or a willingness to develop one;
• experience with research-led teaching in a higher education context and a strong commitment to personal development in teaching. If you have not attained a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the certificate within three years of employment;
• organisational experience and a willingness to take an active part in the administrative and collegial life in the department;
• good command of Dutch and English. If you do not speak Dutch, an active and passive command must be acquired within the first two years of the employment contract and the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed.

What can we offer you?

We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment is for 38 hours per week. The preferred starting date is 01 January 2025.

Your salary, depending on relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between € ​4,332​ (scale 11) to € ​6,737​ (scale 12) gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer?

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• the opportunity to participate in the Dutch as a Second Language programme II;
• a position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de 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.

The History section of the Department of History, European Studies, and Religious Studies has appr. 60 academic staff. We foster an inclusive work environment, with staff and students from a diverse range of backgrounds. We combine dedication to innovative research and teaching with an informal work atmosphere, which is supportive of care commitments.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact:

• Peter van Dam, Professor and coordinator of research group Environment and Society and the Faculty of Humanities’ representative in the UvA Climate Program.
• Email: p.h.vandam@uva.nl    

Job Application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 15 September 2024.

Your application should include the following information:

• a letter which addresses
  • how your own path to historical research relates to this position;
  • how your historical research and teaching experience contribute to decolonial futures;
• a detailed CV;

• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’.

The first round of interviews will be held in the beginning of October 2024. A trial lecture is part of the application process.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.