University Lecturer in Judaism and Diaspora Studies

The Faculty of Humanities, Leiden Institute for Area Studies (LIAS), Centre for the Study of Religion (LUCSoR) is looking for an

University Lecturer in Judaism and Diaspora Studies 

Key responsibilities
We welcome applications by scholars of religion with a specialisation in Modern and/or Contemporary Judaism, and with an interest in linking the study of Judaism to contemporary, comparative, and theoretical issues in the study of religion. We seek candidates with the vision and enthusiasm to develop and maintain a distinguished research presence, while also being devoted to high-quality teaching and the running of the centre. The work of the university lecturer will consist of:

• Teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, in lecture and seminar formats, and supervision of theses in the following programmes: BA Religious Studies, MA Religious Studies, BA International Studies, BA Middle Eastern Studies, MA Middle Eastern Studies, MA International Relations;
• Doing original research and regular dissemination of the results through appropriate channels;
• Supervision of PhD research;
• Acquisition of project funding;
• Representation of the field to external audiences and media;
• Administrative duties and active participation in the running of the centre.

Selection criteria

• A PhD degree in the Study of Religion or another relevant field. Candidates near completion of the degree will be considered;
• Preference for research expertise on the History and Culture of Jews and Judaism in the Modern and/or Contemporary Period and the ability to connect this research to current day issues;
• A compelling research agenda that promises original and significant work in the field;
• A publication record that is commensurate with career stage;
• Commitment to high-quality teaching practice, and wide teaching scope in terms of content, which may also include general religious studies and diaspora studies courses. While the regional focus is open, the applicant should have the ability to teach BA and MA level courses focused on Jews and Judaism in the Middle East and the West (Europe and North America);
• A high level of English proficiency.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and in The Hague.

Leiden Institute for Area Studies (LIAS)  is comprised of a School of Asian Studies, a School of Middle-Eastern Studies and a School of Religious Studies, with international staff and student populations. The institute is committed to a present-day vision of area studies, integrating disciplinary and regional-historical perspectives on a solid foundation of excellent language skills. Current staff  in LIAS has expertise in the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, Art Studies, Buddhist Studies, Film Studies, History, International Relations, Language Pedagogy, Law, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Material Culture Studies, Performance Studies, Philology, Philosophy, Political Economy, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Visual Culture Studies.

Terms and conditions
We offer a position for a period of two years from 1 August 2020, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 3,637 to € 5,656 gross per month (pay scale 11-12 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Depending on qualifications, the lecturer may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until s/he fully meets the requirements for scale 11 as specified by the Faculty of Humanities, particularly with regard to teaching skills certification and the number of years of relevant work experience.

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. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at our employment conditions.

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
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries can be made to the chair of the hiring committee, Corey Williams, email c.l.williams@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 7 March 2020 via the blue button in our application system. Applications should be in English and need to include the following materials:

• A CV including education and employment history, publications, and courses taught;
• A letter of motivation including a personal vision of the study of religion, and specifically the study of Judaism and diaspora studies;
• A research agenda with clear potential for applications to funding bodies such as NWO and ERC (max. 2 pages);
• Teaching philosophy (max. 1 page);
• Two sample course descriptions;
• Names, positions, and contact details of three references (letters not requested at this stage).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a first-round Skype interview in late March. Second-round campus interviews will follow in April, which will include a formal interview, teaching demonstration, and research presentation.