Assistant Professor in Public Policy

The Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in Public Policy. More specifically we are looking for candidates who either specialize in 1) the role of knowledge and expertise in policy processes, in particular in a context of post-factual politics and fake news; or in 2) the role of public and private organizations in policy making and governance processes, with an emphasis on policy implementation.

In addition candidates need to have a broad background in the policy sciences, from the classics to recent neo-institutionalist and interpretive approaches, that they can apply to their teaching in the international BA and MAMSc programmes within a large Political Science Department . The public policy and governance track offers students a distinctive focus on the relation of political and policy theory to specific practices of governance, in particular those of sustainability, participation, governance, contention and conflict, social justice and public welfare.

Research is integrated in a large social science institute (the AISSR ) with ample opportunities for collaboration and exchange with scholars from other fields of political science, as well as the other social sciences. We are interested in research that supports the development and implementation of policy and to reflect on the practical arrangements in which policies get made. We do also encourage candidates with an orientation on regional or local governance processes to apply for this position.

The candidate will be embedded in the Transnational Configurations, Conflict and Governance programme group, which has an interest in understanding political issues, policy making and governance as occurring at, and especially between, different levels of governance and societal organization.

What are you going to do

Your core tasks will be teaching (0.6 fte) and research (0.4 fte) in the field of public policy and governance. You will occasionally fulfil organizational tasks and committee work in the wider context of the Department and the AISSR.

You will:

• teach mostly in the Public Policy and Governance (PPG) track of the bachelor and the master programmes in Political Science; and occasionally, also teaching a course that is part of the core curriculum of the BA program;
• teach a variety of courses: next to a core (BA or MSc) course in Public Policy and Governance, also electives and/or BA or MSc thesis projects;
• actively contribute to (the development of) the research programme of the TCCG programme group by publishing in international scholarly journals, co-supervising junior researchers and submitting grant applications.

What do we require?

You have:

• a PhD in public policy and governance
• solid knowledge of the canon and contemporary literature in public policy and governance, and of one of the two specializations mentioned above;
• an on-going programme of research and publications, focused on international peer reviewed journals and/or books published by internationally recognised academic presses;
• (some) experience and an engaged interest in inspiring and inclusive teaching at various levels;
• affinity with / an interest in teaching students from other tracks within political science, and from interdisciplinary programmes;
• a willingness to apply for research grants;
• a capacity to teach in English, 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.

You are:

• both an independent professional and a team worker;
• an enthusiastic and flexible teacher, interested to draw on literature and examples from across the globe;
• keen on contextualizing issues and critically reflecting on current policies and practices;
• interested in studying and teaching public policy and governance in the wider context of political science, i.e. taking into account their politics (legitimization, powering, …), ongoing developments in political institutions, et cetera
• able to alternate in your teaching between a helicopter and an actor perspective, and between theory and practices of policy making and governance
• knowledgeable on research design and relevant methods for analysing policy processes.

What can we offer you?

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. The social and behavioural sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

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.

In our teaching and research we adopt the view that good social science teaching and research requires a staff which reflects the diversity of society. We want to encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply as we are striving for a more diverse staff composition.

The position concerns temporary employment of 38 hours per week for a 18 months period. If the candidate proves suitable, barring unforeseen organisational developments and assuming sufficient FTE availability, we intend to extend the term of employment/offer the candidate a permanent employment contract.

Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience, 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. 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.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciencesstrives 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. In the Netherlands, parental leave is standard for 16 weeks.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

For questions about the vacancy, Dr. Imrat Verhoeven (head of the search committee, (i.verhoeven@uva.nl ); and for technical and procedural questions, Naziha Irassir (n.irassir@uva.nl ).

Job Application

Does this profile sound like you? If so, we are eager to receive the following in ONE PDF document:

• Your application letter, which at any rate should include your motivation for applying
• Your CV, including past work experience, teaching experience, your research interest(s), and a list of publications

By 30 October 2022.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize 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.

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