Assistant Professor in Political Science - Specialization in Political Economy of Finance

The Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent) position in Political Science with a specialization in the political economy of finance. Specifically, we look for a colleague with expertise on the governance of financial markets, with a pronounced focus on state-market relations from a global political economy perspective. You will do research and teach courses within this broader theme, as member of a department with a strong profile on political economy.

What are you going to do

The core tasks of the successful candidate will be teaching (0.6 fte) and research (0.4 fte). You will occasionally fulfil organizational tasks and committee work in the wider context of the Department of Political Science. 

You are expected to teach introductory and advanced courses in political economy in the BA and MA programmes of the Department of Political Science. The specialization Political Economy is particularly prominent in de MA programme. Occasionally, you can also teach a course that is part of the core curriculum of the BA program. You can also be asked to teach in an interdisciplinary BA or (Res)MA-programme associated with the Department of Political Science.

You will conduct empirical research in political economy of finance or financial markets or a directly related field of interest. Your research may focus on the international financial institutions such as IMF or the World Bank, on private governance on finance, on recent developments in green finance or the rise of sovereign wealth fund finance. It is an added plus to approach such questions empirically from a global perspective on state-market relations rather than only from a specific regional expertise. Preferably your research connects well to that of others in our department, to facilitate collaboration based on your expertise.

Your research will be affiliated with the Programme Group Political Economy and Transnational Governance (PETGOV), situated in the Department of Political Science and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR). For more information on the group and its interests, please consult the website . You will actively contribute to the development of the research programme of PETGOV by publishing in international scholarly journals or books, by co-supervising junior researchers, and by submitting grant applications. The Department of Political Sciences appreciates scholarly outreach to professionals and the wider public.

Core tasks 

• Teaching general and specialist courses in political economy at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and involvement in post-graduate supervision; 
• Developing, conducting, and supervising high quality empirical academic research in political economy of finance / financial markets; 
• (Participating in) acquiring external research funding; 
• Dynamically contributing to the research programme of the Programme Group PETGOV and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research through scholarly publications and engagement in local, national, and international networks. 

What do you have to offer

• A completed doctoral thesis in Political Science – specifically in political economy – or a closely related field such as Economics or Public Administration; 
• The ability to work both as an independent professional and as a team player;

• A demonstrated expertise in the field of empirical (international) political economy of finance;
• An ongoing research programme and publications, focused on international peer reviewed journals and/or books published by internationally recognised academic presses; 
• Mastery of social science research methods appropriate for your research agenda;   
• The ability to develop and submit competitive research grant proposals; 
• Solid knowledge of the canon and contemporary literature related to (international) political economy; 

• The ability to provide relevant and inspiring academic teaching – at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Dutch and/or English – as evidenced by experience and an engaged interest; 
• Affinity with teaching students from other tracks within political science, and from interdisciplinary programmes, within and beyond your own specialization; 
• A capacity to teach in English and/or Dutch, and a willingness to acquire passive knowledge of Dutch within three years; 

• The basic qualification at Dutch universities in higher education (Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs; BKO) certificate, or a willingness to acquire such.  

What can we offer you

A challenging disciplinary and interdisciplinary work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.  

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for an 18 months period. If the candidate proves suitable (following a positive assessment) and barring unforeseen organisational developments, we intend to offer the candidate a permanent employment contract.  

Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience. For this position the University Job Classification profile Universitair Docent (UD 2) applies,  with a minimum salary of € 3974 and a maximum salary of € 5439 gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week, in keeping with salary scale 11, as per the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities . We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a year-end bonus. Applicants from abroad can be eligible for the  30% tax incentive scheme over a period of five years. Parental leave is standard for 16 weeks. Because we value your continued personal development and professionalisation, we also offer excellent opportunities for study and development. 

On top of these renumerations, we offer you a position in which initiative and input are highly valued, an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues, and an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam. 

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. We especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups. In case of equal qualification, female and minority candidates will be given preference.

About us  

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.  

The Department of Political Science is a large department, part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG). The Department of Political Science strives for thematic breadth and methodological and epistemological pluralism. Teaching is offered both in English and in Dutch, in BA- and (Res)MA-programmes that offer options for thematic and methodological specialization. Research is integrated in the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research. The AISSR is one of the largest and most prolific social science research institutes in Europe. It offers ample opportunities for collaboration and exchange with scholars from other fields of political science, as well as the other social sciences.

Westrive for excellence in a caring institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequently varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with an ambitious yet friendly culture.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam in general, and the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences specifically.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

For questions about the vacancy, please contact: [head of the search committee].

For technical and procedural questions, please contact: Emma Thümmel ([email protected] ). 

Job Application 

Does this profile sound like you? A complete application must be submitted to University of Amsterdam’s on-line recruitment portal. It should include:

•  A letter, with a motivation for applying; 
• Your Curriculum Vitae, including (i) past work experience and qualifications (research, teaching, and/or management), (ii) your research interest(s), and (iii) a list of publications; 

• A one-page teaching statement 
• One/Two writing samples  

These five components should be combined into one single pdf document .

The deadline for applications is January 31st. Online and/or onsite interviews are expected to be held in February or March. You may apply online by using the link below. 

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

If an ‘Error GBB451’ occurs, please click here for more information and help.