Assistant professor in Global History – Erasmus University Rotterdam

In order to strengthen our Global History and International Relations team we are seeking a dedicated and passionate colleague to join our history department. The successful candidate will have a strong background in the study of at least one region of the global south, coupled with proficiency in at least one language specific to that region. We are particularly interested in candidates who approach their research and teaching from a critical international relations perspective, with a focus on the intricate interactions between political, cultural, and economic dimensions. Deadline: January 2, 2024.

The candidate will have a profound knowledge and expertise on global governance, conflict, and cooperation from a critical perspective. The candidate will employ this approach to analyze the ways in which colonial and post-colonial international systems and institutions shape and perpetuate global inequality. The candidate should be able to apply a theoretical lens to challenge western perspectives on international relations, expose hidden power dynamics, and explore alternative pathways for more just global governance. The changing landscape of global governance demands innovative approaches. The assistant professor will investigate emerging paradigms in global governance, and consider how new mechanisms and institutions can address the challenges of the 21st century.

Job description
The candidate will teach courses in our Dutch and International programme and will be an active community member. The candidate will work in a team of scholars on Global History and IR. Teaching will include BA and MA-levels, including introductory Global History and International Relations, methods and research, critical IR and non-western history courses. The successful candidate will contribute to the promotion and growth of the Global History and IR within our department and school. Applicants must show evidence of excellence in teaching, strong communication and interpersonal skills, dedication to professional development, and a commitment to student growth as defined by the missions of our school and university. The candidate will play an active role in our research programme, as measured by publications, grants and public presentations of scholarship to generate social impact.

Requirements

  • Expertise in the history of Global South: The ideal candidate should have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the history of at least one region of the global south. We are looking for candidates with a profound understanding of the historical context, cultures, and societies of this region.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in at least one language specific to a region in the global south is essential. This language proficiency will enhance the candidate’s ability to conduct primary research, engage with local sources, and contribute meaningfully to our academic community. In addition, proficiency in both English and Dutch is required, as the Assistant Professor will be expected to teach and communicate effectively in both languages. We expect the candidate to achieve B2 level in Dutch within 1,5 years.
  • Critical and reflexive approach: We welcome applicants who adopt a critical and reflexive approach as a starting point in their research and teaching. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to analyze global issues from diverse perspectives, actively challenging established norms and exploring innovative viewpoints.
  • Integrated approach of (critical) International Relations: The successful candidate will have a keen interest in exploring the complex interactions between political, cultural, and economic dimensions of international relations. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between history and other fields of study.
  • Teaching Excellence: The Assistant Professor will be expected to teach general courses within the history curriculum. We are looking for candidates who are innovative, engaging, and capable of inspiring students with a passion for history. Experience in designing compelling and inclusive courses is highly valued.
  • Contribution to a collaborative research culture: the successful candidate should be able to contribute meaningfully to our new research cluster “Global Futures, Colonial Pasts”, bringing in ideas and initiatives to further its thematic focus as well as its collaborative research culture. This research cluster engages with the most pressing global challenges of the future and examines how these are rooted in the power relations and colonial structures of the past. From environmental challenges, changing global power relations, questions of social justice, to the techno-politics of the future. The candidate should be able to collaborate closely with colleagues working on connected topics.

Conditions of employment

We offer you an internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with excellent working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).

The start date of this position is February 2024 and you will be based at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC). This position is for 0.8 fte – 1 fte FTE. The salary is dependent on your experience and knowledge and ranges from a minimum of € 4.332 to a maximum of € 5.929 gross per month (Scale 11) on a fulltime basis (38 hours), in accordance with the CAO-NU. The contract is entered into for the duration of 12 to 18 months and can be converted into a permanent contract if performance is good, including the desired language skills in Dutch, and the organizational circumstances remain unchanged.

Everything else we offer you, you can find below!

Apply for this job

Please submit your application, consisting of a motivation letter and CV, before the vacancy closing date.

The selection procedure consists of two interviews. During the round of interviews the candidates’ core competencies and suitability for the position are evaluated in a video or in-person interview of 45 minutes with the selection committee. The second round of interviews is focused on an assessment that explores the candidates’ teaching and research plans (two pages). Because of the Christmas break the job interviews are expected to be held in the third week of January 2024.

You can find more information about the EUR on our website www.eur.nl. For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. dr. Paul van de Laar (Head of History Department) via vandelaar@eshcc.eur.nl.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Persons of all gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicities, ages, neurodiversities, functional impairments, citizenships, or any other aspect are welcome to apply and join the EUR community.

This application process is managed by the employer (Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)). Please contact the employer for questions regarding your application.

Apply now!