Assistant Professor of Translation Studies and/or Intercultural Communication (1.0 FTE)

We are looking for a colleague who:

• has teaching and research expertise in the domain of translation studies and/or intercultural communication;
• holds a PhD in translation studies, intercultural communication, or in a comparable knowledge domain;
• has a vision on, and perhaps experience with, ways to link that domain in teaching and/or research with other knowledge domains, based on an articulated teaching and research philosophy (multi-, inter- or transdisciplinarity);
• has an open attitude and are able to switch easily within multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams;
• is interested in team teaching and team science to address social issues;
• Experience or interest in computational and/or data-driven perspectives on Language, Literature and Communication is considered an advantage.

The successful candidate has demonstrable expertise in a particular area of specialisation in translation studies and/or intercultural communication, accompanied by experience in interdisciplinary work. They have a language profile involving at least two, but preferably three, of the following languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. Areas of specialisation may include, but are not restricted to:

• communication, technology and AI in multilingual contexts;
• translation and (digital) media;
• translation and heritage (e.g. museum translation, translation and cultural memory);
• intercultural communication, inclusion and multilingualism;
• multilingualism and language rights (translation, interpreting and intercultural communication in contexts like healthcare, migration, conflict settings, etc.).

Candidates with affinity, experience and/or appealing research and educational plans in the field of the following social issues are particularly invited to respond:

• Human artificial intelligence - Responsible design and use of AI applications, digitisation and technology;
• Cultural heritage and identity - Material and intangible heritage;
• Languages and cultures - Language variation, literacy and inclusion in the digital society - Multilingualism, transculturality and second language acquisition in education and organisations; and
• (in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance) Prosperity, participation and citizenship in a digital world - Communication, information and social inequality.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
Around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff are affiliated to the Faculty of Humanities . The faculty comprises four areas of expertise: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Cultural Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. Through education and research in these areas, the faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and excellent facilities in Utrecht 's historic city centre, where the faculty is housed , ensure an inspiring working climate.
Faculty members of the Department Languages, Literature and Communication (TLC) of the Humanities Faculty specialize in West-European languages and cultures in a global perspective. They study language, language behaviour and the way in which people communicate through language. They also study literature and culture from Classical Antiquity to the 21st century. The department is committed to cross-discipline research and teaching. The undergraduate programme Celtic languages and culture and the graduate programmes Translation studies and Intercultural communication are unique in the Netherlands.
You will be working at the section Translation and Intercultural Communication. There are two chair groups within the section: Translation Studies and Intercultural Communication, with close cooperation between the two groups. We are responsible for Master's degrees in Literary Translation, Professional Translation and Intercultural Communication, and for supervising PhD research in these areas. Translation and Intercultural Communication at Utrecht University is a young and dynamic section. Teaching and research by members of the section focus on the importance of communication across language barriers and cultural differences. In times of rapidly evolving automation and AI, we emphasise the human element: an accurate message – intralingual, interlingual or intermedial – delivered by a multilingual expert with broad social intelligence and a deep multicultural knowledge. This multilingualism and transculturality are the foundation of a literate and inclusive society. Keeping in step with social changes, and advocating for more humane AI in the digital society, Translation and Intercultural Communication at Utrecht University strives to contribute to various domains where participation and motivated citizenship are paramount (safety, well-being, heritage, equality, accessibility).

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. dr. Haidee Kotze via [email protected] .
Are you an international applicant? Our International Service Desk can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff and guests .

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We therefore welcome staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, regardless of race, skin colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, origin, disability, neurodiversity or age.
To apply, please send your application via the 'apply' button. We would like to receive the following information with your application:

• your motivation letter;
• your CV and publication list;
• a concise research plan showing alignment with the research profile of  Research Institute for Cultural Inquiry ICON or the Institute for Language Sciences ILS (max. 400 words);
• a concise teaching plan, articulating your ideas and any questions about the development of your teaching over the next few years (max. 400 words).

Job interviews will take place in March in Utrecht. An online interview, a trial course or an assessment may be part of the application procedure. The start date is 1 August 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.