Assistant Professor in Food History

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Assistant Professor in Food History

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Humanities

Educational level: PhD

Function type: Academic Staff

Closing date: 24 March 2023

Vacancy number: 11222

What are you going to do?

We are looking for a colleague who will teach and conduct research on the history of the production, consumption and/or representation of food in the modern world. At the crossroads of food studies, health humanities, and environmental history, this position will develop a research agenda that strengthens and integrates expertise of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies. The candidate will draw particularly on the rich culinary collections at the University of Amsterdam's Allard Pierson Special Collections, utilising primary sources such as recipe books and works on individual and public health.

You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods within the History BA and MA programmes. The current vacancy will also help broadening the Department's thematic reach and geographical scope. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies , one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research . ASH represents and fosters the study of the human past from Antiquity to the present day. It brings together more than 200 academics from Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities, who participate in ca. 25 research groups. Given the wide range of research groups/centres within ASH, depending on your expertise you will join one of these groups on environmental history, digital and health humanities.

Tasks and responsibilities:

designing and conducting independent research on food history in the modern world, 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;

contributing to the research activities of the Amsterdam School of Historical Studies ;

developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the Bachelor and Master programmes in History;

supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students; co- supervising PhD theses;

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 in the field of food studies (19th and 20th century) and its connections to health humanities and/or environmental history. You have a strong publication record around issues of the production, consumption and/or representation of food in the modern world or clear potential to develop one. You have an enticing vision on how to incorporate the culinary collections at the University of Amsterdam's Allard Pierson Special Collections into your research. You have a proven flair for collaborative projects with colleagues in the history domain and elsewhere, an interest in developing new didactic modules, and an ability and enthusiasm to share your knowledge beyond academic circles.

We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and are especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission.

Your experience and profile:

a completed and examined PhD in History or a related discipline;

you either have, or show clear potential for, developing a strong publication record commensurate with the stage of your academic career;

an international academic network in the research area concerned, or a willingness to develop one;

ability and ambition to obtain external research and/or project grants;

a research focus that fits at least one of the thematic research groups within ASH;

experience with research-led teaching in a higher education context and a strong commitment to personal development in teaching

willingness to take an active part in the administrative and collegial life in the department;

proven affinity for team and collaborative work and commitment to outreach activity beyond academic circles;

strong command of both Dutch and English. If you are not a native Dutch speaker, an active and passive command of Dutch must be acquired within two years of the employment contract (the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed);

experience with digital teaching facilities and affinity with IT in university teaching;

a Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification, or a willingness to acquire one within the first two years of your appointment.

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. Preferred starting date is 01 August 2023.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between € 3,974 (scale 11) to €6,181 (scale 12), dependent on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 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.

We additionally 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.

About us

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 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.

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

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Dr. Moritz Föllmer

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. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 24 March 2023.

Applications should include the following information (submitted in one .pdf ):

a letter of motivation;

a detailed CV;

a list of publications;

the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the week of 10 April 2023. A trial lecture may be part of the application procedure.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize 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.

No agencies please.

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