Professor of Cultural Anthropology

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam seeks a Professor of Cultural Anthropology to advance our 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. The professor should 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. How does worldmaking motivate action and engagement with issues such as sustainability, inequality, violence, and political polarization? Today, worldmaking occurs in a digital environment, where people increasingly connect through digital means. How do people engage with the digital, data-driven world, and what does this mean for 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. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam aims to be an engaged university. It works in partnership with society, students, and the academic community. The university is committed to using its knowledge and expertise for the benefit of people, society, and the planet. 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. These pathways are 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. The successful candidate 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. They should also 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 and sees 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.

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. Teamwork with colleagues, both inside and outside the department, is required.

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.

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. And that is valuable. In return for your efforts, we offer you:

• 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. This is based on UFO profile Professor 2. 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.

VU Amsterdam also offers attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• 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)