Professor of Cultural Anthropology

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam welcomes scholars ready to shape the future of Cultural Anthropology. We seek a visionary whose work examines how people create meaning and navigate social life amid digital technologies and societal change.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam seeks a Professor of Cultural Anthropology to advance education, research, and societal impact in the anthropology of worldmaking (in Dutch: "antropologie van zingeving"). This position requires a national and international leader who drives innovation in the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes. The professor will renew the department's research profile and lead an innovative research agenda, while actively engaging with the Ethnographic Impact Lab, which blends practical anthropology and societal collaboration. The role includes administrative responsibilities within the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology and the School of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

We seek a professor who can analyse the social and cultural dynamics underlying urgent societal challenges and translate insights into inspiring teaching and research. The Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology focuses on the diverse ways people shape their lives, including experiential and emotional aspects of societal change. Key questions include how worldmaking motivates action and engagement with issues such as sustainability, inequality, violence, and political polarization, and how people engage with the digital, data-driven world in ways that affect their ability to create meaning in daily life. Teaching and research themes include how political and religious imaginaries, shaped by digital technology, influence gender, race, and class, and shape what is considered a meaningful life and well-being during societal transformation.

These themes outline the field in which the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology seeks to grow. The candidate’s teaching and research should show a strong commitment to anthropology’s role in understanding today’s uncertainties. Collaboration with societal partners and the application of anthropology in relevant ways are essential.

The educational programme of the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology is characterised by a broad theoretical foundation, a strong focus on ethnographic methods, and in-depth engagement with contemporary issues to which anthropology can make concrete contributions. In both the bachelor’s and master’s programmes, students are encouraged to personalise their learning pathways by selecting from a range of theoretical or applied research pathways designed to emphasise flexibility, creativity, and autonomy.

Your responsibilities

Education is core to our department’s academic profile. We seek a professor who is committed to improving teaching content and pedagogy. The professor will play a key role in both Dutch- and English-taught courses and must have a strong record in teaching a wide range of subjects, including general and introductory courses. We are looking for someone who can develop new courses at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels and contribute to Lifelong Learning programmes with partners in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and other academic departments at the Vrije Universiteit.

The position involves developing a research line in the anthropology of worldmaking. This includes preparing and submitting research grant applications, preferably in collaboration with colleagues within and beyond the department. The professor will be responsible for conducting ethnographic research and disseminating findings through both academic and non-academic channels. Collaboration with national and international institutions is essential for both education and research within the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. The department also collaborates closely with communities and stakeholders to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Beyond scholarly excellence, you will play a prominent leadership role in the department and the School of Social Sciences. You demonstrate a proactive commitment to administrative and management roles, with a mindset that values these responsibilities as vital to the health and strategic direction of the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. We value a colleague who embraces management responsibilities as essential to a thriving academic community.

Your profile

We seek a candidate with a PhD in anthropology and at least 12 years of experience in academic research, teaching, and societal impact following their doctorate. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in digital ethnography and other qualitative research methods. Creativity, openness to new perspectives, and multi- or transdisciplinary collaboration are highly valued. A well-established national and international academic network is an asset.

An excellent publication record, proven success in securing research funding, and demonstrable experience in building national and international partnerships are essential. Experience in teaching, curriculum development at all university levels, and PhD supervision is required. Candidates must be committed to anthropological and ethnographic approaches, within and beyond the university.

Applicants must have substantial academic leadership experience, including readiness to serve as Head of Department in rotation with senior colleagues. The ability to collaborate and contribute to departmental strategy is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills and be able to work effectively with colleagues both inside and outside the department.

A good command of Dutch, or willingness to reach C1 proficiency in Dutch within 18 months of appointment, is required. Experience with the Dutch academic and research system is a significant asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and mindset. Therefore, we invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if they do not meet all the requirements.

What we offer

Join a dynamic, impact-driven team to translate cutting-edge ethnographic insights into societal change, addressing urgent global challenges and making a real difference beyond academia.

We offer a challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research, and service for a better world.

• a salary of a minimum of € 7.202 (H2) and a maximum of € 10.441 (H2) gross per month, based on a full-time appointment. The exact salary depends on your experience.
• a position of 0.8 to 1.0 FTE. Your employment contract will initially be for 18 months.
• a full-time 38-hour working week including a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• a contribution to commuting expenses
• a solid pension scheme (ABP)

About the faculty and university

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

The disciplines within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities are characterised by an open way of thinking and a natural urge to connect. The faculty comprises nine academic departments across three schools: the School of Religion & Theology, the School of Social Sciences, and the School of Humanities.

You will become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members. Over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants are part of this vibrant community. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and focusing on significance and humanity, we develop sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces across disciplinary boundaries, we work towards a better world for people and the planet. Together, we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, as well as an inspiring environment for education and research.