Assistant Professor Sociology of Religion — The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen
Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 30,000 students to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.
Groningen is a lively university city with a population of 200,000, only a 2.5 hours drive by train or car from the national airport of Amsterdam.
The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Groningen is a leading European institution for the study of religion. We are proud to be ranked as the best teaching and research center for religion in the Netherlands. We are committed to highest standards in critical academic research, and we translate our research into stimulating and cutting-edge teaching programmes. We train students to be independent and critical observers of the place of religion in its cultural and historical context, and we prepare them for the job market. The faculty is flourishing and expanding. In line with a sustained long term strategy of growth, the faculty seeks to attract a scholar in the field of Sociology of Religion.
Job description
The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Groningen, seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor (UD) in the field of Sociology of Religion (fulltime). The position will involve 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% administration. The position will be located within the Department of Comparative Study of Religion.
The candidate will contribute to the teaching programme (BA, MA, and Research Master’s level) in the study of religion, with a special focus on sociological theory, as well as on quantitative and mixed methods. A future task of the candidate will be to coordinate the learning lines of method courses in the religious studies programmes. Language of instruction is English.
The candidate’s area of expertise is open, but it needs to fit and complement the interdisciplinary research in the social scientific study of religion that is a characteristic of the department (see: https://www.rug.nl/research/centre-for-religious-studies/comparative-historical-study-of-religion/). Early career scholars are explicitly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
The following criteria will be important in the selection process. The candidate should:
- hold a PhD degree in sociology of religion or in related disciplines in the study of religion
- have a track record of international peer-reviewed publications
- have teaching experience at university level
- be competent and have an interest in teaching and coordinating research methods courses; therefore, competence in qualitative and quantitative research is required
- be able to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in quantitative research methods
- have demonstrated success or capacity for success in the acquisition of research funding
- have a demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary cooperation
- have organizational competence, entrepreneurship, and excellent communication skills.
Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary for an assistant professor dependent on qualifications and work experience, with a minimum of € 3,400 (scale 11 Dutch Universities) to a maximum of € 5,288 (scale 12) gross per month for a fulltime position. On top of that income the candidate will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an annual bonus of 8.3%. The conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The position is fulltime, but an employment of a minimum of 0.8 fte is also possible. The appointment will be on a temporary basis for 5 years, with the strong ambition of making the position permanent. In the fifth year the Faculty Board will decide on this, depending on the performance of the appointee and the position of the faculty.
Deadlines and procedures
Job interviews will be held on 1 and 2 November 2016. Shortlisted applicants will be notified before 10 October 2016 and will be expected to be in Groningen for both days of the interviews. Travel and accommodation will be arranged and reimbursed.
Date of entry into employment: 1 January 2017 or as soon as possible.
Application requirements
Interested candidates should submit a complete application composed of:
- a letter of motivation, addressing the above criteria
- a complete CV with a list of publications and with names and contact details for three referees
- a PDF of three self-selected representative papers
- a brief description (maximum two pages) of scientific interests and plans.
You may apply for this position until 28 September (11.59 pm) / before 29 September 2016 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on “Apply” below on the advertisement on the university website).
The application should be sent electronically in PDF format with all the credentials in separate attachments. Applications with missing credentials will not be taken into consideration.
Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.
Information
For information you can contact:
Dr Peter Berger, Head of the Department of Comparative Study of Religion, p.berger@rug.nl
Website for more information: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/job-opportunities/overview?details=00347-02S000536P&cat=wp
