Deadline: August 12, 2026
Context of the chair
This professorship in European Studies focuses on Europe and its relations in a global context. This chair will strengthen the interdisciplinary profile of European Studies in the Faculty of Humanities by focusing on Europe’s connections, interdependence and post-colonial legacies with other world regions. In doing so, it will also study the long-term changes in global dynamics and their political, cultural and social consequences for Europe’s position in the global world. Possible research themes could be (though are not limited to): security; environmental issues; transnational mobility (such as migration or transatlantic trade); EU foreign policy; European institutions and legacies of imperial structures; Europe as a global actor in the field of cultural developments and social movements. Expertise in the impact and interactions between the European continent and other continents is an explicit requirement of this professorship. Teaching and research of this professorship involve both European and non-European perspectives on the possible themes listed above, critically (re)assessing and contributing to an understanding of Europe’s interests, interdependencies and conflicts with other world regions. The candidate is expected to take a leading, proactive role within their interdisciplinary chair group, the department and the research school, and in research priority areas of the Faculty.
Teaching
The professor is an engaging teacher who participates in the bilingually-taught (English and Dutch) teaching programme of the BA European Studies/Europese Studies and the English taught MA European Studies, consisting of the three tracks: European Policy, Identity & Integration, and East European Studies.
The professor is able to further develop these educational BA and MA programmes in collaboration with colleagues, and to design and teach courses that focus on how Europe and the European Union engage and reflect upon other world regions and how they respond to global challenges. The chair is expected to further shape the expertise of Europe in a global context and to transfer this agenda into the teaching programmes.
Importantly, the candidate has a vision on how to make the European Studies curriculum more diverse and inclusive, specifically in a global context. More details can be found at: European Studies – University of Amsterdam
Research
The professor is part of the Amsterdam School for Regional, Transnational and European Studies (ARTES) and initiates, stimulates and develops research that addresses Europe in a global context, specifically on the shifting power balance between Europe, former colonies and other world regions and its political, cultural and/or social consequences. As a chair in the multidisciplinary research environment of ARTES, a school of area studies, the successful candidate demonstrates a proven track record of multi- or interdisciplinary collaboration with the social sciences and/or law, as well as an interest in interdisciplinary methods. Firmly embedded in the Faculty of Humanities, the chair presupposes a strong affinity with linguistic and cultural diversity, and is expected to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community of scholars.
The professor plays an active role in identifying and supervising potential PhD candidates and ensuring that candidates with a disadvantaged or non-traditional background receive appropriate support in the process.
Of particular importance is the professor’s ability to attract research funding and to encourage and guide others in successfully applying for external funding. In addition, we are looking for candidates who can strengthen collaborations with key academic, cultural and/or policy stakeholders in the Netherlands and Europe, and who have a keen interest in public outreach.
Leadership
We are looking for a dedicated team leader who can support and motivate colleagues and create a nurturing environment in which others can thrive. You will lead the group Europe in a Global Context (an interdisciplinary team of approx. 10-15 lecturers with expertise in the Humanities and Social Sciences) in terms of human resource management (career development, professionalisation, coordination) and offer mentorship. The group is part of the European Studies/Europese Studies capacity group and the larger Department of History, European Studies, Religious Studies and Hermetic Philosophy, and Latin American Studies (approx. 115 FTE). You are willing and able to take on additional administrative responsibilities at departmental and/or faculty level (such as head of department, teaching director, research director).
This is what you will be doing
- Teaching in the field of Europe in a global context from transnational and global perspectives, including supervising Bachelor and Master theses;
- Supervising PhD candidates;
- contributing to innovation and improvement of the curriculum in the field of European Studies, specifically Europe’s connections to other world regions;
- Addressing research themes and projects within the chair group and relevant research clusters in ARTES;
- Actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European;
- Carrying out HR-responsibilities within the chair group European Studies/Europese Studies;
- Carrying out administrative and management tasks within the Department and Faculty.
Your application & contact
If you see yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.
Your application should include the following information:
- a cover letter (max. 2 A4 pages), including a paragraph that briefly outlines your specific vision on research and teaching;
- a detailed CV (no photos please);
- a list of publications, indicating which two to three publications you consider to be most representative of your research profile.
Please submit the required information as a single PDF file.
The vacancy closes on 12 August 2026. Only complete applications received within the response period will be considered.
The first round of interviews will be held in the course of mid-October 2026. A trial lecture and research presentation may be part of the application process.
Questions?
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:
Prof. dr. Daniëlle Slootjes, d.slootjes@uva.nl
Chair of the Department History, European Studies, Religious Studies, and CEDLA-Latin American Studies
See the full job posting here: https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/professor-of-europe-in-a-global-context-netherlands-15044