Assistant Professor in Digital Aesthetics and Platform Vernaculars

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?

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 for Cultural Analysis (ASCA), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research .

The Department of Media Studies seeks an Assistant Professor in Digital Aesthetics and Platform Vernaculars. The study of digital aesthetic practices often begins with what has been termed platform vernaculars, or the participatory cultures as well as currencies of social media platforms. These include choosing the right hashtag, emoji or meme that fits the occasion and the subculture. Whilst scholars often remind us that people use social media in the most diverse ways, platforms could be said to have their specific vernacular cultures and performative practices, such as the s***posting of 4chan, the boastfulness of LinkedIn, the boyishness of Telegram and the authenticity-seeking on Instagram. AI platforms are also attracting attention for the way in which each has a responsive style, where ChatGPT is bashful and Falcon is brash, for example. The position concerns itself with the study of the vernaculars, creative practices as well as styles of contemporary online platforms.     

Tasks and responsibilities:

• designing and conducting independent research on digital aesthetics and platform vernaculars; 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;
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the Bachelor and Master programmes;
• 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;
• 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 digital aesthetics and platform vernaculars, familiarity with visual media analysis, and a strong affinity with digital research methods. Your research matches the profile of the ASCA.

You are able to develop and provide modules on digital practices. 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 programmes that aspire to a wide range of students.

Your experience and profile:

• holds PhD in the humanities or social sciences with a research focus on digital culture;

• has 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;
• 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 programme II must be passed;
• experience with digital and audiovisual teaching facilities and affinity with IT in university teaching;
• excellent organisational experience and 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 01 August 2024.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between € 4332 (scale 11) to € 6737 (scale 12) dependent on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer?

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• a position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team.

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.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:

Prof. Misha Kavka, [email protected]
Department Chair

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. We will accept applications until 31 March 2024.

Your application should include the following information:

• a letter and detailed CV;

• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’.

The first round of interviews will be held in the course of mid-May 2024. A trial lecture may be part of the application process.

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