In the context of the sector plan for the Humanities titled ‘Tradition in transition’, the Faculty of Humanities currently has a vacant Assistant Professor position as part of the research theme Languages and Cultures. One of the goals within this research theme is to strengthen the position of the modern foreign languages, within the Faculty and beyond. The Faculty offers language programmes in 23 languages and offers teacher training programmes for several of these languages. We are looking for a motivated researcher and an accomplished teacher in the field of second language acquisition, preferably focusing on the intersection between affect and innovation in second language learning and teaching to support the goals of ‘Tradition in Transition’ and to help innovate second language acquisition research and teaching within the Faculty.

What are you going to do?
You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. You will be embedded in the Second language acquisition group of the department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC), one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research (AIHR). You will participate in one the ACLC’s research groups and in the interdisciplinary Language and Culture theme group.

You will be a part of the research-led teaching team in Second Language Acquisition, and participate in at least one of the language teams (other than English) in the department. In line with the faculty’s policies on multilingualism, preference is given to candidates who are able to teach in more than one language programme and where the appointment will complement existing expertise across the various foreign languages taught in the Faculty.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research on second language acquisition, with a focus on affective influences on language learning (emotion and motivation),; resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• Participate actively in the research activities of ACLC;
• Pursue external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, both national as well as European;
• Contribute to the development of national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary collaboration of the sector plan research theme Languages and Cultures.
• Develop, coordinate and teach courses in the foreign language(s) in which you specialise, as well as beyond that language for courses taught in Dutch and/or English, in the BA and MA programmes of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures as well as Linguistics;
• Supervise BA and MA theses and tutor students, and co-supervise PhD theses;
• Contribute to the development and innovation of the second-language acquisition courses across foreign languages in the department, extending to the use of technology in language teaching;
• Take part in committees and working groups and carry out departmental administrative tasks as directed.

What do you have to offer?
You are a dynamic and motivated researcher with a strong profile, demonstrated by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of second language acquisition of one or more foreign languages taught in the department and you specialize in themes related to affective factors in L2 learning. Being able to connect research on affective factors to language learning technology and instructed second language acquisition will further enhance your profile. Your research should align with one or more of the ACLC’s research groups, but also show the potential to contribute a new perspective to existing work within the ACLC.

You are able to develop and provide modules on the acquisition of at least one of the languages taught in the department, such as the various Romance, Scandinavian or Slavic languages, and work in teams to design similar modules for the other languages taught in the department as well. The ability to integrate technology in innovative second-language teaching and learning will be a clear advantage. Proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus is important, as is the willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programmes.

Candidates who will enhance the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in MVTC and the ACLC are warmly encouraged to apply.

Your experience and profile
Candidates need to meet the following criteria:

• A PhD in (second) language acquisition, linguistics and/or a specific language in the department;
• research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• demonstrable ability and intention to obtain external research grants;
• broad and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;
• experience with digital and audio-visual teaching facilities and affinity with IT in university teaching;
• good team player and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• relevant organisational experience and skills;
• excellent command of at least one foreign specialisation language;
• command of Dutch and English to be able to teach through medium of these languages. If you do not speak Dutch, an active and passive command must be acquired within the first two years of the employment contract and the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed. The university offers support and access to tuition to accomplish this;
• A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained a UTQ, you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the qualification within three years of employment.

Additional recommendations:

• experience in developing partnerships with schools, public institutions, and grassroots initiatives
• experience in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research.

What can we offer you?
We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment is for 38 hours per week. Preferred starting date is 01 August 2024.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between €4,332 (scale 11) to €6,737 (scale 12) dependent on relevant experience. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. Favourable tax agreements may apply to applicants moving from abroad. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer?

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for personal development;
• support in attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) if not already completed;
• support in completing the Dutch as a Second Language programme II if the candidate is not already a fluent speaker of Dutch;
• a position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the position or the department, please contact during office hours:

Prof Dr Bertus van Rooy
Chairperson: Modern Foreign Languages

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 24 May 2024.

Your application should include the following information:

• a letter and detailed CV;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please submit the required information in 1 pdf by uploading in the required field ‘CV’.

The first round of interviews will be held in the course of June 2024. A trial lecture may be part of the application process.