Assistant Professor in Journalism and Documentary Film

In the context of the sector plan for the Humanities titled ‘Tradition in transition’, the faculty currently has a vacant Assistant Professor position as part of the research theme Cultural Heritage and Identity. Within this research theme the focus is on material and immaterial heritage, including digital Humanities, and on cultural heritage and societal changes.

What are you going to do?

You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. You will be a part of the teaching teams in Journalism and Media as well as Documentary and Fiction, which have a strong focus on and presence in the areas of professional journalism and documentary filmmaking, the role of digital media and AI in media production, the mental health and wellbeing of media professionals, and the political economy of the (Dutch) media industries (specifically documentary and film festivals, quality news media, and investigative journalism). Your research will be part of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture, one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research.

As Assistant Professor in Journalism and Documentary Film, your work will emphasize the role of digital heritage in media production, including the use and reuse of media archives and infrastructures, and digitized collections.

As part of the dual master program in Media Studies, specifically in the tracks of Journalism and Media as well as Documentary and Fiction Film, you will be part of team-taught courses on:

• the structure and history of the (Dutch and international) media landscape;
• the professional creative media culture and how it functions in society;
• research methods and practices related to the cultural, creative and media industries and dramaturgy;
• the materiality of digital archives and collections, and their reuse in media productions;
• contemporary developments regarding storytelling and new media platforms;
• the repertoire of (Dutch) creative media productions and producers as well as relevant methods and techniques to find, validate and use different types of sources for creative media productions;
• thesis supervision.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• designing and developing independent research strategies for the critical study of the role of journalism and documentary film in society, with specific reference to the role of digital heritage in media production, 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 (and beyond);
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture;  
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the BA and dual MA programmes;
• supervising BA and MA 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 profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. As both the profession of journalism and those teaching and researching journalism in the academe suffer from a lack of diversity, your diverse background would make you an excellent candidate for this position. Your publications show broad knowledge of historical and contemporary developments in the media industry and landscape, with a specific reference to journalism and documentary film, as well as a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in your work, research and teaching interests.

You are able to develop and provide modules in the dual MA programs in Journalism and Media, Documentary and Fiction Film, and the BA in Media & Information. 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 from all over the world.

Your experience and profile:

• holds PhD in the humanities or social sciences with a research focus on digital heritage and the media industry;

• 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;
• excellent command (near-native fluency) of both Dutch and English;
• experience with digital and audiovisual teaching facilities and affinity with ICT in university teaching;
• organisational experience and skills;
• acquired the Dutch University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained a UTQ you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the certificate within three years of employment.

Research that entails collaboration with non-academic institutions and agencies in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond is highly welcome. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

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 € 4.332 (scale 11) to € 6.737 (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:

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 24 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 April 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.