Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Technology and Politics

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Assistant Professor in Philosophy of Technology and Politics

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Humanities

Educational level: PhD

Function type: Academic Staff

Closing date: 1 March 2023

Vacancy number: 11136

In the context of the sector plan for the Humanities titled ‘Tradition in transition' and the collaboration between the SSH-domains Social Sciences, Humanities, Law and Economics, the faculty currently has a vacant Assistant Professor position as part of the cross-cutting research theme Welfare, Participation and Citizenship in a Digital World.

What are you going to do?

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in philosophy of technology and political philosophy. The successful candidate should be able to combine debates in philosophy of science, democracy, and technology in novel ways.

Possible lines of specializations we are interested in, though not limited to:

Digital democracies and democratic participation;

Digitally situated knowledge production and bias in technology;

Civic education in relation to digital culture(s);

Digital health and well-being;

Politically relevant questions in the digital world, for example, relative to social media platforms or pornography.

We especially welcome applicants who can link philosophy of technology debates with political philosophy from perspectives that are relevant for social and cultural identities, such as (though not limited to) post-colonial, feminist, anti-racist, non-western, and/or non-ableist perspectives.

A successful candidate for the position is expected to be able to contribute to teaching in:

Practical Philosophy, especially political philosophy;

Philosophy of Technology;

Philosophy of Science.

You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School of Cultural Analysis (ASCA), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research. ASCA is home to more than 100 researchers and more than 140 PhD candidates, and conducts world-leading research in Cultural Analysis. ASCA researchers share a commitment to studying culture in all its forms and expressions within an interdisciplinary framework, and to maintaining a close connection with contemporary cultural and political debates. All ASCA research fits into at least one, but usually more than one of five thematic constellations: 1) Mediality; 2) Arts & Aesthetics; 3) Globalization & Migration; 4) Identities; and 5) Cultural & Social Critique.

The successful candidate will also be part of the Platform for the Ethics and Politics of Technology (PEPT) and is expected to contribute to PEPT's organization of events and research activities. The Platform for the Ethics and Politics of Technology (PEPT) brings together scholars that deal with the ethical, social, and political issues of technologies and creates synergies between their projects. PEPT is based at the Faculty of Humanities and the Department of Philosophy but offers a platform to all UvA (and other) scholars working on new technologies in all disciplines/faculties and at the same time reflecting on the political and ethical aspects of their research. The monthly PEPTalks offer international speakers and participants from all disciplines a vibrant interdisciplinary atmosphere. Furthermore, PEPT is a platform for research, education, interdisciplinary studies, conferences, workshops, and interactions with stakeholders in society and the public at large. It aims to connect people and institutes and to enrich research and societal and political reflection. The creation of PEPT is inspired by the increasing importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary research and teaching and aims to contribute to the exploration of the big questions and fundamental challenges of contemporary society. By emphasizing questions concerning the ethics and politics of technology, the platform seeks to reach out to researchers of all Faculties of the University of Amsterdam.

For more information, please see platform for the ethics and politics of technology

The position will be embedded within the Department of Philosophy. The department has a strong profile, characterized by a broad and attractive range of education and a number of strong research groups. The successful candidate will be a member of either the capacity group Philosophy and Public Affairs (PPA) or Philosophical Tradition in Context (PTC). PPA examines classical questions in the area of practical philosophy, such as the foundations of ethics and sociopolitical philosophy, in light of new and topical problems. PTC as a capacity group explores the historical development of philosophical themes (within a social and cultural context) in interaction with science and religion, culture and society, and with due regard for non-Western philosophy.

Tasks and responsibilities:

designing and conducting independent research on philosophy of technology and politics 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 ASCA/ PEPT;

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

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

actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programs in the department;

taking part in committees and working groups, and carrying out departmental administrative tasks as directed;

actively contributing to the interdisciplinary collaboration of the sector plan research theme Welfare, Participation and Citizenship in a Digital World.

What do you have to offer?

You are a dynamic and ambitious researcher with a strong profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of philosophy of technology, familiarity with debates that combine philosophy of science, democracy, and technology, and a strong affinity with political philosophy. Your research matches the profiles of ASCA and PEPT.

You are able to develop and provide courses on the areas mentioned above. Important is proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers, and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programs that aspire to a wider range of students.

Your experience and profile:

a PhD in philosophy with a research focus on philosophy of technology and politics;

holds an international academic network in the research area concerned;

provides research output commensurate with the level of the position;

active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;

demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants;

broad and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;

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 program II must be passed;

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

experienced in valorization and practice-based education and/or research;

good team player and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;

excellent organizational skills;

a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ), or willing to acquire this within the first two years of the employment contract.

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 1 August 2023.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between €3,974 (scale 11) to €6,181 (scale 12) depending on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favorable 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 programs. At the UvA, 30,000 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 programs.

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

Any questions?

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

Mari Mikkola , Head of Department

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 01 March 2023.

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

a letter of motivation;

a detailed CV.

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

The interviews are expected to be held during Spring 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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