Lecturer in World Literatures in English

The English Department is looking for a candidate to teach on the BA English Language and Culture and MA English Literature and Culture (Literary Studies) programmes. The candidate may also be asked to teach courses in other related programmes. The candidate should have expertise in world literatures in English, with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries, and be able to teach either introductory or nineteenth-century English literature courses at BA level.

The full curriculum for the above-mentioned programmes can be found here: Study programme - Bachelor English Language and Culture and Master English Literature and Culture (Literary Studies).

This is a 13-month teaching cover post for a number of core courses on our BA programme as well as half a core course and one elective on our MA programme. The BA courses the candidate will teach on include Literature and the Postcolonial World, Contemporary World Literature, Texts in Focus 2 and either English Literature 4: The Nineteenth Century or English Literature 1: Genres, Texts and Contexts. Depending on the wishes and capacities of the candidate, it may be possible to teach on both these latter courses. The candidate will also co-teach on the MA core course Critical Debates as well as design and co-ordinate an MA elective course in the second semester. In addition, it may be possible to teach an Academic Writing course if desired.

What are you going to do?

You will join the UvA English department, situated within the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Cultures (MVTC), as a member of the teaching team for our BA and MA programmes. Your core duties will include leading weekly seminars, delivering lectures and supporting students via an online learning environment (Canvas). We will provide you with information and example teaching materials to aid your class planning, as well as a supportive and collegial environment in which to work.

You will teach within a curriculum that has already been developed, contribute to further improving education in the broad field of English Literature and identify opportunities for improvement. You can be deployed on a broad range of educational duties for the English Department. In addition, your educational duties may include supervising BA and MA theses, and contributing to innovations and improvements in the curriculum, such as designing or revising courses.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Teaching core and elective courses at BA and MA level;
• supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses;
• contributing to the improvement of education and identifying opportunities for improvement;
• making contributions to the development and implementation of improvements in didactics and/or content of the designated curriculum;
• staying up to date with the professional literature and integrating new research insights in teaching the designated curriculum;
• performing teaching-related administrative duties;
• potentially participating in committees and working groups.

What do you have to offer?

You are an experienced university teacher who is able to draw on current research debates and methods to inform your own teaching practice. You are able to enthuse and engage students, and are comfortable with creating and coordinating courses as well as teaching alongside colleagues on larger courses. You are capable of planning and delivering inspiring lectures, and are able to use an online learning environment to support your teaching practice. You are flexible in your approach and open to teaching beyond your immediate specialism.

Your experience and profile:

• PhD in English Literature or a related field;
• experience with teaching on BA and MA English programmes at university level, specifically in the areas of world literature and postcolonial literature;
• experience with digital and audio-visual equipment;
• affinity with IT in academic education;
• team spirit and a willingness to participate in activities of the English Department;
• willing and able to cooperate in multidisciplinary projects;
• good administrative experience and skills;

• a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ), or willing to participate in the UTQ programme;
• good command of Dutch and English. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer the possibility to participate in the Dutch as a Second Language programme II.

In addition to the above, experience in teaching nineteenth-century English literature, introductory literature courses and/or academic writing in English will be beneficial.

What can we offer you?

We offer a temporary employment for 13 months with a probationary period of two months. The employment contract is for 23 hours a week (0,6 fte), with details to be agreed with the successful candidate. The preferred starting date is 01 August 2024.

Your salary, depending on relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, will be in the range € 4,332 to € 5,929 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. 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?

• excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• the opportunity to participate in the UTQ programme;
• the opportunity to participate in the Dutch as a Second Language programme II;
• an enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

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. Barnita Bagchi, Literature Chair and Chair of the Selection Committee
• b.bagchi@uva.nl

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your letter and CV. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 26 June 2024.

Your application should include the following information:

a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (2 pages max.);

a detailed CV including relevant experience and publications (if applicable);

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 July 2024.

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

No agencies please