Assistant Professor Archaeology and indigenous history of the Americas

Updated: about 1 year ago
Deadline: 15 Feb 2023

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The Department of World Archaeology of the Faculty of Archaeology is looking for an 

Assistant Professor (‘UD’) Archaeology and indigenous history of the Americas
Vacancy number: 22-870 13321

Profile  
We seek an enthusiastic Assistant Professor (0.8 fte) to reinforce the Faculty’s long-standing regional specialization in the Archaeology and Indigenous History of Middle and South America.  

Embedded at a leading archaeology institute in Europe, this position will form a second regional focus for the Americas, expanding beyond the existing expertise on the archaeology of the Istmo-Colombian area. Preferred candidates will have research profiles that articulate with heritage themes and aspects of archaeological sciences, to complement the Faculty’s existing research emphases. Candidates with an active research focus on Mesoamerican studies and current fieldwork are especially encouraged to apply.  

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Archaeology, have a very promising early career research record, combined with evidence of teaching experience, and a talent for external grant acquisition. Applicants should have at least 3 years of post-PhD work experience and be comfortable with teaching a range of classes. The position will contribute to the breadth of the Faculty of Archaeology teaching programmes, from intro-level regional and comparative undergraduate courses as well as specialized graduate seminars, geared to foreground the Faculty’s research on the Archaeology and Indigenous History of the Americas. Participation in general courses, such as archaeological method and/or theory, may also be asked.  

The position requires fluency in English. There is no requirement to speak Dutch, but the successful applicant will be expected to learn Dutch within 2 years of starting the position and be supported in the process.  

Key tasks 

  • Delivering lectures and tutorials for the World Archaeology department, including intro and upper-level classes, in both the Bachelor and Master courses;  
  • Supervising Bachelor and Master students as well as Teaching Assistants; 
  • Designing and conducting independent research in a regional field of Mesoamerican studies; 
  • Acquiring extramural research funding through national or European funding agencies; 
  • Taking on roles in the administrative duties of the Faculty. 

Selection criteria 

  • A PhD in the archaeology of Mesoamerica;  
  • A strong research portfolio and the ability to develop into a research leader in the field; 
  • A promising track record in obtaining research funding and willing to prepare grant proposals for relevant funding schemes (e.g., ERC, Horizon Europe, NWO); 
  • Demonstrable teaching experience (evaluations) and willingness to further professionalise teaching skills; 
  • Excellent command of English. If the applicant does not speak Dutch, they will be expected to acquire a good command of Dutch, i.e. level B1, within two years of the start of the appointment; 
  • The candidate is willing to contribute to the success of the Faculty of Archaeology and will take on administrative tasks; 
  • Demonstrable merit in interdisciplinary and innovative scientific research, as evidenced by a number of scientific publications; 
  • The possession of a University Teaching Qualification (e.g. BKO) or being prepared to obtain it within two years. 

More specifically, we seek candidates with the following qualifications: 

  • The Department is seeking candidates who demonstrate excellence in teaching and research and who have already made their mark in the Archaeology of Mesoamerica. 
  • The Department is seeking candidates with an area of expertise that is distinct, yet aligns with current research lines at the Faculty of Archaeology.  
  • The new colleague should be a team player with a collaborative, supportive and problem-solving attitude who is able to fit into and work in a multidisciplinary team. 
  • The new colleague should be open and willing to work with researchers outside the field of Archaeology, and to participate in one of many interdisciplinary research projects at Leiden university or set up a new one.  

Our Faculty 

The future of the past begins at Leiden University. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading for its research, home to a broad array of specializations and notable for its strong connection between teaching and research. Home to over 500 students in the multidisciplinary world of Archaeology, the Faculty, and its researchers from all areas of the archaeological field, determine the future of archaeological research. More information about our university and our faculty can be found at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology   

We offer 

  • candidates will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Dutch Universities, initially for a period of one year, with the expectation of being offered a permanent position after positive evaluation; 
  • the salary will be dependent on previous qualifications and experience, and ranges between € 3974.- to € 6181.- gross per month on a full-time basis (pay-scale 11 or 12); 
  • Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions . 

Diversity 

Leiden University attaches great importance to diversity and therefore welcomes applications from people who are currently under-represented at Leiden. 

Applications are particularly welcome from minority ethnic candidates.  

 Information 
Formore information about the content of this vacancy, please contact Joanita Vroom, Professor of the Archaeology of Medieval and Early Modern Eurasia, and Chair of the Department of World Archaeology, [email protected] . More information about Leiden University can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en . 

Apply 
You can apply via the 'Apply' button. The deadline for applications is February 15, 2023. Applications can be addressed to Josephine Say, Management Assistant at the Department of World Archaeology, [email protected]   

Please attach the following additional documents as one PDF file, stating the job number above: 

  • A cover letter containing your motivation to apply for this position; 
  • A CV and list of publications; 
  • Two recent articles (ideally as links to freely available online publications); 
  • An overview of your experience with (World) Archaeology courses (max. 1 page), together with a detailed syllabus of the most relevant course; 
  • If available, the results of the student evaluation of that course; 
  • A summary of your research profile and plans (max. 1 page) 
  • A list of 5 selected top publications where you briefly highlight how these align with your research profile); 
  • The names and contact addresses of two academic referees, at least one of whom may not be the thesis supervisor or your current employer. Letters of recommendation are not necessary at this stage. 

Interviews will be scheduled for the mid/end of March. Selected candidates will initially be invited for an online interview. We kindly request that you be available (online) during this period. 

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