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Leiden University, Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS), is looking for a:

Full Professor in contemporary art history and theory from a global perspective (1,0 Fte)
Vacancy number: 14416

Key responsibilities
The candidate will strengthen LUCAS’ research profile and will help develop our Institute and its collaborations further, both nationally and internationally. The candidate has experience in working in a versatile and multidisciplinary research community such as LUCAS and will possess the capacity to fruitfully connect disciplines and fields, as well as people, within the Institute, the Faculty and beyond.

We are looking for a candidate with in-depth knowledge of the field of modern and contemporary art in a global perspective, as well as of recent developments in the international fields of art museums, heritage, contemporary art venues and exhibition platforms (e.g. biennales, triennials, Documents, etc.), both on a theoretical and methodological level. The candidate has knowledge of, and can critically relate to, relevant theories and current debates in art history and museum studies. They also are familiar with contemporary debates in visual studies, postcolonial studies, and gender studies, and are proficient in critical theories such as posthumanism, ecocriticism, new materialism and affect theory. We are interested in how the candidate connects such cutting-edge research with debates and issues pertaining to future museums and heritage, in particular in terms of sustainability, diversity and decolonization.

All this must be supported by a list of relevant top publications, as well as by participation in consortia and research projects. The candidate also has strong links with stakeholders outside academia, evidenced through committee and advisory work for non-university parties; they also have close relationships and collaborations with artists, museums and the art world, with a specific focus on themes and issues that go beyond a Western art-historical perspective.

Tasks

• You will develop, teach and coordinate courses in the fields of critical thinking in contemporary art (history), theory and the museum from an interdisciplinary and global scope, at different levels (e.g., in the BA programme Art History, the MA Arts & Culture, the ResMA Arts, Literature and Media, and related programmes). The languages of instruction are Dutch and English;
• You are required to supervise BA and (Res)MA theses as well as internships in Dutch and English;
• You will help in recruiting students by contributing to open days, orientation and information sessions;
• You will participate in the development and implementation of educational innovations, also in digital form;
• You will contribute to our output within one of the LUCAS research programmes, particularly in the field of contemporary arts in a global perspective, and will present the results in the form of publications, conference presentations and other means – to academic, professional/societal partners and wider audiences;
• You will play an active role in LUCAS or Humanities programmes in the field of heritage, museums, collections and society.
• You will acquire project funding at national and international level (NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe etc.)
• You are expected to attract and supervise PhD candidates and other junior researchers;
• You are required to fulfil administrative duties within the BA/MA programmes of Art History/ Arts & Culture and related programmes, the LUCAS institute and/or the Faculty of Humanities;
• You will actively participate in, and contribute to, the academic community of the Institute;
• You maintain and further develop an extensive network in the field.

Your profile

• You hold a PhD degree in the field of critical thinking in contemporary art (history), theory and the museum from an interdisciplinary and global perspective;
• You bring expertise in the field of the intersections between contemporary art, museums, collections, heritage, and society;
• You are aware of current issues, viewpoints and innovative methods within the field, e.g. Digital Humanities, Museum Studies, Heritage Studies;
• You have a vision on your field and the scope of this Chair and can bring people together to realise your vision;
• You are an innovative and inspiring teacher, with an inclusive approach to education, experience in teaching beyond your research focus, and a strong commitment to teaching a diverse community of BA and (research) MA students;
• You are willing and able to meet the requirements for a Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) within two years if you do not already possess a Dutch University Teaching Qualification;
• You can contribute to the research profile of LUCAS and have affinity with the institute’s aims, values and strategy;
• You have a publication record commensurate with career level, notably international peer-reviewed publications and/or monographs;
• You have experience with acquiring research or educational awards/grants;
• You are a clear communicator and team player, enthusiastic to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, in both teaching and research;
• You possess the following competences: vision, leadership, managing for results, persuasiveness, entrepreneurship, organizational sensitivity;
• You have (near) native proficiency in Dutch and English (or willingness to master a C1 level of fluency in Dutch within two years, with funding being provided by the LUCAS institute);
• You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
• We are particularly looking for candidates who have the digital knowledge and skills that are relevant for their field of research, and who are able to teach these.

The organisation
The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University is a unique international centre for the advanced study of languages, cultures, arts, and societies worldwide, in their historical contexts from prehistory to the present. Our faculty is home to more than 6,000 students and 800 staff members. For more information see: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.

The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is one of the seven Academic Institutes of the Faculty of Humanities. The institute hosts a range of academic disciplines, clustered around a key research theme: the relationships between the arts and society. Our members study cultural production over the course of two millennia, from classical antiquity to our contemporary world, and teach in programmes ranging from Classics and Book History to Modern Literature, International Studies and Art History. Strengthened by our diversity, LUCAS members are uniquely placed to study the broad concept of the arts, with its rapidly changing ideas, aesthetics, and theories of cultural production. Through research, teaching and outreach, the Institute aims to deepen our understanding, both inside and outside academia, of the cognitive, historical, cultural, creative, and social aspects of human life.

As an academic community, we strive to create an open and welcoming atmosphere, stimulating everyone to get involved and contribute, and connecting scholars from different fields and backgrounds.

We offer
We offer a 1.0 FTE position for 18 months, with the possibility of an extension to a permanent position, based on funding, need and performance. The position corresponds to the position of Professor in the University system of job profiles (UFO). The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO) and depending on qualifications and experience. The gross monthly salary is € 6.894,- to € 10.038,- (scale H2) for a full working week.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information see: https://www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

University Teaching Qualification (UTQ)
Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

Diversity & Inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information:
Enquiries can be made to the Academic Director of LUCAS, prof.dr. S. Bussels (s.p.m.bussels@hum.leidenuniv.nl). Information about LUCAS can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/geesteswetenschappen/centre-for-the-arts-in-society and about Leiden University at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en

How To Apply:
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button on this page, no later than 15 November 23:59 hrs. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Your application should include:

• A CV including education and employment history, publications, and courses taught;
• A letter of motivation (max. 2 A4);
• An outline of your research plans for the coming years, with clear potential for grant applications (max. 2 A4);
• A document stating your vision for this Chair;
• Recent teaching evaluations (if available);
• Names, positions, and email addresses of two referees (no reference letters); please list these on your cv rather than filling them out separately in the system.

Interviews are expected to take place in Decembre 2024/January 2025.

A teaching/research presentation and an assessment will be part of the procedure.

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