The Department of Languages, Literature and Communication of Utrecht University is looking for an Assistant Professor of French Literature and Culture. For this position you have expertise in one or more literatures and cultures of the French-speaking world. We expect you to offer lectures, seminars and supervisions in our programme of French as a foreign language, at undergraduate and postgraduate level and inspire students to critical thinking, and also engage in related activities such as assessment and ongoing curriculum development. Together with your colleagues you will contribute to the on-going development of teaching and learning practices within the French team through a commitment to self-reflexive teaching and co-teaching. You will join a team of colleagues, who work closely together to offer their students the best learning experience in French language and culture in an academic environment and who welcome diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

You pursue your research in terms of originality, significance and rigour, within the context of the Institute for Cultural Inquiry (ICON), and in connection with Utrecht University’s strategic research themes and focus areas. We expect you to contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment in the faculty, the wider university and the international field of research through collaborative research activity, and disseminate research results through public engagement.

Other responsibilities are:

• develop clear plans for the pursuit of suitable national and international funding opportunities to support research;
• contribute to the administrative work, and collegial values of the team and the department by service on committees and other associated duties;
• enhance the section’s commitment to promote the study of French language and culture in the Netherlands through the participation in national programmes and cultural initiatives.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates whose research and teaching interests intersect with one or more of the following approaches to the study of French as a foreign language at Utrecht University: modern and/or contemporary French or Francophone literature in European context, contemporary French economy and culture, postcolonial studies, gender studies, medievalism, Digital Humanities, translation studies, intercultural communication.

For the position 65% of the activities shall be allocated to teaching tasks, and 35% to research. Preferred starting date effective from 1 August 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You are a talented scholar and teamplayer, dedicated to research and education in French literature and culture. To further strengthen our French section, you:

• hold a PhD in French(-speaking) literature, French(-speaking) culture, or a relevant cognate area, by the advertised closing date for this position or, in exceptional circumstances, have submitted a completed doctoral thesis for examination by this date;
• are an inspiring teacher for BA and MA-students;
• have acquired the Dutch “University Teaching Qualification” (BKO), or are expected to obtain this qualification within two years of the appointment;
• have native or near-native competence in French, are proficient in English, and you are expected to obtain a sufficient level of Dutch (target level B2) within two years of the appointment;
• have a record of original and substantial published research in the field of French literature and culture, consistent with your career stage;
• have experience in securing (or have the ambition to secure) external funding for research, appropriate to your career stage;
• have the potential to invest in the future shape of the field/discipline, including developing public engagement, knowledge exchange and impact activities.

Utrecht University strives towards enhancing the diversity amongst its staff and students, and we encourage applications from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. If, for any reason, you have taken a career break, or have had an atypical career, and wish to disclose the reasons for this in your application, the Appointment Committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your published research may have been reduced as a result.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of 18 months. In case of a good performance, an indefinite employment is one of the possibilities. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,807 and €5,275 (scale 11-12 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. 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: working at Utrecht University.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, 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 the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.