Assistant Professor Interdisciplinary Social Science ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’ (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

We are looking for a new faculty member to expand our academic staff in the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISW) of the faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. The department’s research activities are organized in three programmes: ‘Social Policy and Public Health’, ‘Migration, Cultural Diversity, and Ethnic Relations’ and ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’.
Teaching and research related to the appointment will focus on topics from the programme ‘Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts’ . This programme centers on identifying opportunities for young people to thrive and grow within diverse contexts, including that of the family, peers, school and society. We seek to understand the interplay between these contexts and individual characteristics and their effects on adolescent and young adult risk behaviours, digital media use, mental health and social relations. Our research encompasses and combines quantitative survey research, including longitudinal and international comparative studies, qualitative research, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and experimental studies in the lab and the field.
The position contains a standard combination of teaching activities (60%) and research activities (40%), preferably starting no later than September 2022. In case you wish to focus your career on teaching, an 70% teaching and 30% research appointment is also possible, temporary or structural.

The core tasks will include:

• Independently teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in the curriculum of Interdisciplinary Social Science;
• Educational management, including the coordination of courses at Bachelor’s and Master’s degree level, coordinating educational (innovation) projects;
• Active involvement in the continuous improvement and development of courses and curriculum on the topic of the programme Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts;
• Undertaking your own research aligned with the programme Youth in Changing Cultural Contexts, and publishing (inter)nationally in this domain;
• Translating and communicating research findings and scientific insights to different types of audiences, including scientific, professional and community audiences.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That’s why we assess, acknowledge and value individual as well as team performances. We stimulate academic leadership and motivate good academic leadership at all levels. We encourage sharing the results of scientific research with societal partners and the general public to increase the impact of our work and contribute to a better society.

We are looking for enthusiastic colleagues who identify with our academic values and meet the following requirements:

• You hold a PhD degree in a domain of behavioural or social science, or a similar or related field with a focus on youth (preferably also on risk behaviors);
• You have expertise in advanced quantitative research and data analysis methods, particularly in (complex) longitudinal data analysis and advanced multi-level analysis.
• You have experience in academic teaching, (co-)developing and (co-)coordinating academic courses is an asset;
• You hold a Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) or are willing to acquire this qualification in the near future;
• You’re fluent in spoken and written English at an academic level ;
• You’re a creative and productive researcher, as evidenced in recent publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
• You are fluent in spoken and written Dutch or willing to learn Dutch.

We offer a temporary position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE) for one year in an international work environment. After a positive evaluation, a permanent position can be offered. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,974 and €6,181 per month for full-time employment (scale 11/12 according to the Collective Labour Agreement of Universities in the Netherlands). Salaries are supplemented by a holiday bonus of 8% per year and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions , including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists at Utrecht University in undertaking their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate close around major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe, undertaking research and providing academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all contribution to the training and education of new talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The department of Interdisciplinary Social Science is located at Utrecht Science Park , in the Sjoerd Groenman building.

For more information about this position, please contact prof. G.W.J.M. Stevens via [email protected] .
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk  (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff . Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 
Your application should include (and be limited to) the following:

• A motivation letter addressing the core tasks and requirements (not more than one page);
• A one-page summary of your past research and future research plans, including how this illustrates your quantitative methods expertise;
• An overview (preferably one page) of your experience in academic teaching
• A CV, including a list of publications and presentations;
• Names and contact details of two scholars who can provide a reference.

We may ask you to give a short presentation to introduce yourself in relation to the position at the start of the interview. There may be a second interview with an assignment related to the core tasks and requirements of the position.
The first interviews will take place on Monday, June 5.

If you know someone who is suitable for this position, please share the vacancy.

Acquisition as a result of this vacancy is not appreciated.