Ass. prof. in Transformative Learning for Inter- and Transdisciplinary Education

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Cultural studies

Researcher Profile

Leading Researcher (R4)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

23 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

In the contemporary landscape of higher education, the demand for graduates equipped with the skills to navigate complex, real-world challenges has spurred a growing interest in transformative learning within inter- and transdisciplinary contexts. Transformative learning is a pedagogical philosophy that goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge and skills, emphasizing profound shifts in perspective, identity, and ways of thinking. This approach is particularly relevant in the realms of inter- and transdisciplinary education, where the integration of diverse disciplines is crucial for addressing complex multifaceted issues that transcend traditional academic boundaries.

Despite the increasing popularity of transdisciplinary education, various challenges are still faced; e.g. navigating differing epistemologies and methodologies from various disciplines, overcoming institutional barriers and traditional academic structures , balancing the depth of disciplinary knowledge with the breadth of interdisciplinary understanding, developing competencies (through engaged learning) that can actual lead to broadening of minds and/or ‘transforming’ of students, teachers and community partners, and to supporting goals relating to reciprocity between academic and non-academic stakeholders.

The Athena Institute is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to join our team as an assistant professor in Transformative Learning for Inter- and Transdisciplinary Education. The candidate will play a key role in shaping the educational experience of our students while contributing to cutting-edge research that spans multiple disciplines.

Job description

• To conduct research on the challenges faced with transformative learning processes for inter- and transdisciplinary research.
• Foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
• Design and deliver courses that integrate transformative learning principles with inter- and transdisciplinary approaches.
• Engage in scholarly activities, including research, publication, and presentation at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across disciplines to promote inter- and transdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Participate in university service activities and contribute to the overall academic community.
• Contribute to and collaborate in existing (funded) projects executed by Athena.
• Involve in teaching task in the wide variety of courses offered by the Athena Institute and include course coordination, workgroup coaching and lecturing as well as supervising Master students during their internships and literature reviews on diverse topics pertaining to the wider educational inter- and transdisciplinary education programme of the Athena Institute.
• Contribute to the development and quality control of curricula that aligns with the evolving landscape of inter- and transdisciplinary research.
• Supervision of PhD students, junior researchers/lecturers, and postdoc researchers participate in coordination and strategic meetings of the Athena Institute (and beyond).

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• A PhD degree, preferably in the field of Interdisciplinary Studies, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in transformative learning theories and practices.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering courses that integrate inter- and transdisciplinary approaches.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with designing and facilitating multistakeholder group discussions and reflection sessions as part of change processes (e.g. reflexive monitoring in action).
• Strong and relevant publication track-record, commensurate with the candidate’s career stage and complementing and extending the Athena Institute’s research portfolio.
• Proven experience with applying for research grants and externally funded projects.
• Excellent teaching skills and the ability to inspire students (demonstrated through a.o. positive student evaluations).
• A teaching qualification (in Dutch BKO).
• A broad (inter)national network relevant to the position.
• Excellent command of English is imperative, basic knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging career track position from Assistant Professor 2 to Assistant Professor 1 in a socially involved organization (research, education, management; 40:40:20%). At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• A salary of minimum € 4.332,00 (Scale 11) and maximum € 5.929,00 (Scale 11) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Lecturer / Asisstant Professor 2. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• A position for at least 0.8 FTE. The initial contract will have a duration of 18 months. After a successful evaluation in your 15th month, permanent employment will be granted.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Solid pension scheme (ABP).
• Child daycare facilities available on campus.
• The possibility to work partly from home.

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339668/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1085

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339668/ass-prof-in-transformative-learning-…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED