Assistant Professor (UD) in AI and European democracies

Apply now »

Assistant Professor (UD) in AI and European democracies

Faculty/Services: Faculty of Humanities

Educational level: PhD

Function type: Academic Staff

Closing date: 5 February 2023

Vacancy number: 11026

What are you going to do?

You will provide education at the BA and MA level in European studies, a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods.

You will develop your own line of research in AI and its implications for European democracies

You will join and actively participate in the Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies ( ARTES ), a research community that combines humanities and social science-based approaches to the study of Europe and other world regions, as well as in the University Research Priority Area Humane AI

Tasks and responsibilities:

Designing and conducting independent research on the implications of AI and digital technology for European democracies using computational social science methods.

Developing, coordinating and providing education in the interdisciplinary BA and MA programmes in European studies; this includes designing courses in your own area of expertise as well as offering courses in European studies beyond your area of expertise

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 interdisciplinary research activities of Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies as well as the University Research Priority Areas Humane AI and Global Digital Cultures and UvA's strategic focus theme Responsible Digital Transformation;

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 dynamic and ambitious researcher with a strong research profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show expertise in the fields of AI, European politics, and computational social science methods. This can include, but is not limited to, research on how the use of algorithms and automated decision making in public administration at the EU, national and local level and the media impacts social and political inequalities, exclusions and (dis)empowerment, or research on how AI impacts political polarization through misinformation, microtargeting and online content moderation, or research on the politics and ethics of data and its implications for (il)liberal democracy. You use a wide array of advanced computational social science methods and are willing to learn new methods.

Your research connects to the profile of the Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies (ARTES) as well as to the two University Research Priority Areas Humane AI and Global Digital Cultures and UvA's strategic focus theme Responsible Digital Transformation.

You are able to develop and provide modules on AI and European democracies at the BA and MA levels. You show flexibility in teaching 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 programmes that aspire to an international community of students.

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.

We particularly encourage scholars from underrepresented groups to apply.

Your experience and profile:

you hold a PhD in a relevant field in the Social Sciences and Humanities, with a research focus on the political implications of AI and digital technology

you have expertise and experience in advanced computational social science methods, such as machine learning and datamining, text-as-data, or geo- coding

you maintain an international academic network

you are an active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record

you have the demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants

you have broad and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level, and an interest in teaching in interdisciplinary programmes such as European Studies

you have a 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.

you are capable of interdisciplinary co-operation in teaching, research, and are willing to take on administrative tasks

you have excellent organisational experience and skills

you acquired the Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification, or are willing to acquire this within the first two years.

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 contract is for 38 hours a week. Preferred starting date is between 1 April and 1 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 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;

a broad range of facilities to effectively combine work and personal life (e.g. parental leave provisions);

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 (during office hours):

prof dr Theresa Kuhn

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 5 February, 2023.

Applications should be submitted in one .pdf via the link below an include the following information:

letter of motivation

detailed CV

list of publications

a 1-2 page document outlining your vision for interactive teaching in a diverse classroom

a 2-3 page document outlining your research agenda for the next five years

if available, student evaluations of the past two years

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 20 February 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

Apply now »