Assistant Professor in Political Theory

Assistant Professor in Political Theory

Working at the UvA

Join us!

The Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in Political Theory. Candidates should have an excellent track record in research and should be able to teach courses in the field of political theory as of 1 January 2026. The Department is particularly interested in scholarly profiles that combine political theory or philosophy research questions—normative or conceptual—with empirical or empirically-informed research methods. The ability to teach feminist political theory/philosophy is desirable. The role is research-intensive (60% teaching, 40% research).   

Working at the UvA

Join us!

The Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor in Political Theory. Candidates should have an excellent track record in research and should be able to teach courses in the field of political theory as of 1 January 2026. The Department is particularly interested in scholarly profiles that combine political theory or philosophy research questions—normative or conceptual—with empirical or empirically-informed research methods. The ability to teach feminist political theory/philosophy is desirable. The role is research-intensive (60% teaching, 40% research).   

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct research in political theory.

  • Teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

  • Supervise PhD candidates.

  • Take active part in the intellectual life of the Department of Political Science, the Programme Group ‘Challenges to Democratic Representation’, and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.

  • Perform administrative duties related to teaching and research.

What do you have to offer

  • A completed doctoral thesis in political science, philosophy, or a cognate field.

  • An outstanding record of publication in political theory/philosophy, with at least several research articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, and an ongoing research programme.

  • Experience in raising competitive research funding or clear and feasible plans to do so.

  • A strong track record in providing excellent, inspiring and inclusive teaching at the university level.

  • Ability to teach in English and/or Dutch, and willingness to acquire passive knowledge of Dutch within three years.

  • The basic qualification at Dutch universities in higher education (Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs; BKO) certificate or equivalent, or a willingness to acquire such.

What else do we offer you

The University of Amsterdam’s Department of Political Science is ranked among the top-20 political science departments in the world (Times Higher Education Ranking 2025). The Department is part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG), which is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. The University of Amsterdam is one of continental Europe’s leading research universities.

All our tenure-track faculty receive a generous research allowance, administrative support, and mentorship from senior colleagues.

We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have (had) an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment contract will be for 38 hours per week.
If you are a foreign national employed by the University of Amsterdam (UvA), or an UvA employee posted to another country you are likely, under certain conditions, be eligible for the ‘30% rule’. This rule allows you to receive part of your salary – up to 30% – as a tax-free allowance, resulting in a higher net income. The allowance is intended to compensate for the additional costs incurred as a result of your temporary stay in another country.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

  • Conduct research in political theory.

  • Teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

  • Supervise PhD candidates.

  • Take active part in the intellectual life of the Department of Political Science, the Programme Group ‘Challenges to Democratic Representation’, and the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.

  • Perform administrative duties related to teaching and research.

What do you have to offer

  • A completed doctoral thesis in political science, philosophy, or a cognate field.

  • An outstanding record of publication in political theory/philosophy, with at least several research articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, and an ongoing research programme.

  • Experience in raising competitive research funding or clear and feasible plans to do so.

  • A strong track record in providing excellent, inspiring and inclusive teaching at the university level.

  • Ability to teach in English and/or Dutch, and willingness to acquire passive knowledge of Dutch within three years.

  • The basic qualification at Dutch universities in higher education (Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs; BKO) certificate or equivalent, or a willingness to acquire such.

What else do we offer you

The University of Amsterdam’s Department of Political Science is ranked among the top-20 political science departments in the world (Times Higher Education Ranking 2025). The Department is part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG), which is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. The University of Amsterdam is one of continental Europe’s leading research universities.

All our tenure-track faculty receive a generous research allowance, administrative support, and mentorship from senior colleagues.

We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months with a probationary period of two months. If you already have (had) an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. The employment contract will be for 38 hours per week.
If you are a foreign national employed by the University of Amsterdam (UvA), or an UvA employee posted to another country you are likely, under certain conditions, be eligible for the ‘30% rule’. This rule allows you to receive part of your salary – up to 30% – as a tax-free allowance, resulting in a higher net income. The allowance is intended to compensate for the additional costs incurred as a result of your temporary stay in another country.

Your place at the UvA

In this team you will work

You will work within the Challenges to Democratic Representation Programme Group. The Programme Group is home to most of the Department’s political theorists (currently eight tenured faculty members, plus a variable number of postdocs, lecturers, and PhD candidates). The Programme Group funds regular international research seminars and workshops in political theory, and provides the intellectual home of our PhD candidates.

The Programme Group is part of the Department of Political Science. Our department is large, pluralistic, and international. Roughly half of the tenured faculty come from outside of the Netherlands. We offer dedicated political theory tracks in both our bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Our tracks stand out among similar programmes in political theory and philosophy by dint of their practice-oriented focus. We analyse ideological, conceptual, and normative dimensions of major social and political challenges we are facing today, without losing sight of power dynamics. The successful candidate should be able to teach core courses and electives in political theory at the BA and MA level that also speak to political science students not enrolled in the political theory tracks.

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

In this team you will work

You will work within the Challenges to Democratic Representation Programme Group. The Programme Group is home to most of the Department’s political theorists (currently eight tenured faculty members, plus a variable number of postdocs, lecturers, and PhD candidates). The Programme Group funds regular international research seminars and workshops in political theory, and provides the intellectual home of our PhD candidates.

The Programme Group is part of the Department of Political Science. Our department is large, pluralistic, and international. Roughly half of the tenured faculty come from outside of the Netherlands. We offer dedicated political theory tracks in both our bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Our tracks stand out among similar programmes in political theory and philosophy by dint of their practice-oriented focus. We analyse ideological, conceptual, and normative dimensions of major social and political challenges we are facing today, without losing sight of power dynamics. The successful candidate should be able to teach core courses and electives in political theory at the BA and MA level that also speak to political science students not enrolled in the political theory tracks.

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?

Important to know

Your application & contact

For questions about the vacancy, you can contact Enzo Rossi [email protected]

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application. Please include in 1 bundled PDF file:

  • An academic CV, including a list of publications.

  • A letter of motivation (max. 1200 words) detailing your relevant experience and plans as well as your fit within our Department.

You can apply via the red button until 26 May 2025. Interviews will take place in late June 2025. We will request additional materials from shortlisted candidates.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

Important to know

Your application & contact

For questions about the vacancy, you can contact Enzo Rossi [email protected]

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application. Please include in 1 bundled PDF file:

  • An academic CV, including a list of publications.

  • A letter of motivation (max. 1200 words) detailing your relevant experience and plans as well as your fit within our Department.

You can apply via the red button until 26 May 2025. Interviews will take place in late June 2025. We will request additional materials from shortlisted candidates.

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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