Assistant Professor Computational Humanities

 

The Department of Media Studies is looking for an Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Computational Humanities.

What are you going to do?

The field of Computational Humanities (CH) is blossoming, with progress being made in all humanities and social science disciplines. Thanks to the increasing availability of digital data and advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the humanities are rapidly transforming. On the one hand, computational approaches are being applied to both long-standing as well as novel questions in the humanities; on the other hand, CH contributions are finding their way to society at large. Areas of interest include understanding human activities on social and online media, including (fake) news and other information flows; explainable and interpretable AI; digital archiving; fairness, accountability and transparency in online communication and other societal processes. The focus of this position will be on Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications related to CH, with a methodological scope spanning text mining, information retrieval and machine learning.

We are looking for an ambitious candidate, deeply familiar with current CH research as defined above, and seriously committed to foster the responsible application of CH and AI to societal challenges. You will work together with strong groups of NLP, Digital and Computational Humanities, and Media Studies researchers at both the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) and the Media Studies Department of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). We are looking for an inspiring teacher who will provide courses in various programmes at the UvA, with a main teaching-task in the Bachelor Media and Information (track Information Cultures), in the forthcoming Master Digital Humanities, as well as in other programmes at the Science faculty.

You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. Your research will be part of the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation, an interfaculty research institute of the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Science.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• design and conducting independent research on the aforementioned topics, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European;
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of Institute for Logic, Language and Computation;
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the BA and MA programmes;
• supervising BA and MA theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
• actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department;
• taking part in committees and working groups, and carrying out departmental administrative tasks as directed.

What do we require of you?

You are a dynamic and ambitious researcher with a strong profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of both Computational and Digital Humanities, familiarity with Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, and a strong affinity with Natural Language Processing. Your research matches the profile of the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation.

You are able to develop and provide modules on the aforementioned topics, and in particular NLP applications related to CH. You will teach courses such as 'Introduction to Digital Humanities', 'Coding the Humanities', 'Data-driven Research' or 'Socio-cultural Data Analysis'.

Important is proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programmes that aspire to a wide range of students.

Your experience and profile:

• holds a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., in Computational/Digital Humanities, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, or in a Humanities discipline coupled with a research and teaching track record in DH, CH, NLP or machine learning) with a research focus on NLP applications related to Computational Humanities;
• holds an international academic network in the research area concerned;
• provides research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;
• demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants;
• wide and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;
• excellent command (near-native fluency) of both Dutch and English: Non-native Dutch speakers must achieve an active and passive command of Dutch within two years (passing the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II, is a prerequisite for a permanent employment contract);
• experience with digital and audio-visual teaching facilities and affinity with ICT in university teaching;
• experienced in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research;
• good team worker and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• excellent organisational experience and skills;
• acquired the Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification, or is willing to acquire this within the first two years.

Research that entails collaboration with non-academic institutions and agencies in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond is highly welcome.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for a period of two years with the intention of converting it into a permanent contract after a positive assessment. Our ideal starting date of the employment contract is 1 August 2021.

The gross monthly salary, dependent on relevant experience, will range from €3,746 to €5,826, based on 38 hours a week. This is excluding a generous holiday scheme (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% rule’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for the Dutch Universities is applicable.

We additionally offer:

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• opportunities for professional development;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

About the Faculty of Humanities

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. The faculty offers assistant professors the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at research institutes that - partly as a result of their interdisciplinary approach - are world-renowned.

Questions?

For questions about this position or the department you may contact:

• Jeroen de Kloet, Chair of the Department of Media Studies
  T: +31 (0)20 525 2586

Job application

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

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application. You may apply online by using the link below. 

Applications (to the Dean of the faculty, Prof. F.P. Weerman), including a motivation letter, a detailed CV, a list of publications and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation, should be submitted in pdf.

The response period closes on 9 May 2021. Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be in the course of May and June 2021. A trial lecture may be part of the application procedure.

Apply now