University Lecturer (UD) in Modern and Contemporary Visual Art (0.8 FTE)

The Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) invites applications for a

University Lecturer (UD) in Modern and Contemporary Visual Art (0.8 FTE), starting date 1 August 2025
Vacancy number: 15464

The Leiden University Center for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) is looking for a University Lecturer (UD) in Modern and Contemporary Visual Art. The successful candidate will conduct research and teach courses in various BA and MA programmes, such as Art History and Arts and Culture. Their research will contribute to the research profile of the Institute and/or to the themes of the SSH Sector Plan.

Tasks and responsbilities

• You will develop, teach and coordinate courses in the fields of modern and contemporary visual art (particularly in Europe and North America), visual analysis, analysis of artistic techniques and materials, and collection-building in art and heritage institutions, within the BA Art History, the MA Arts and Culture, and related programmes. The language of instruction is Dutch or English.  
• You will supervise BA and (Res)MA theses as well as internships in Dutch and English;
• You will contribute to the development and implementation of educational innovation, including within the digital humanities, based on the digital knowledge and skills relevant to modern and contemporary art history and your own research area. 
• You will help in recruiting students by contributing to open days, orientation and information sessions;
• You will conduct research based on an individual research plan that aligns with one of LUCAS’s research programs, particularly in Modern and Contemporary Studies, and/or the SSH Sector Plan themes, and present the results through publications, conference presentations, and other formats— to academic, professional, and societal partners, as well as a broader public. 
• You will secure research funding through national and international grant programs (NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe, etc.).
• You will supervise PhD candidates (as co-supervisor). 
• You will take on administrative and organizational tasks within the BA and MA programs you teach in, within the LUCAS institute, and the Faculty of Humanities. 
• You will actively participate in, and contribute to, the academic community of the Institute;
• You will develop and maintain a (inter)national network within the academic world and the professional field.

Your profile

• You have a PhD in Art History, with a specialization in Modern and Contemporary Visual Art (particularly in Europe and North America);
• You bring expertise in modern and contemporary visual art; materials and artistic techniques; and institutions where modern and contemporary art is created, preserved, and exhibited;
• You are acquainted with and able to contribute to current themes, debates, and innovative methods within the field. You are aware of current issues, viewpoints and innovative methods within the field;
• 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 promising publication record, 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: conceptual capacity, environment orientation, presenting skills, result orientation, organisational 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.

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 0.8 fte FTE (30.4 hours/week) position as University Lecturer (UD), initially for 1.5 years, with the possibility of an extension to a permanent position, based on funding, need and performance. The salary is in accordance with the collective salary agreement of the Association of Dutch Universities (CAO) and depending on qualifications and experience. The gross monthly salary is € 3.218,- (scale 10) to € 6.209,- (scale 11) for a full working week. Depending on qualifications, the appointee may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until they fully meet 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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. http://www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

BKO/UTQ
Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ / BKO). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, they 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.

Digital Humanities expertise
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.

Information
Enquiries can be made to the Art History Programme Chair, dr. Marika Keblusek (M.Keblusek@hum.leidenuniv.nl). Questions about the procedure can be directed at Jennifer Dijkman (im-lucas@hum.leidenuniv.nl). Information about LUCAS can be found at http://www.universiteitleiden.nl/geesteswetenschappen/centre-for-the-arts-in-society and about Leiden University at http://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en.

How To Apply
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top of this page, latest 16 March 2025, 23:59. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Your application should include:

• A letter of motivation including a discussion of the candidate’s current scholarship, future research plans, and vision on teaching (max. 2 A4);
• A CV including education and employment history, publications, courses taught and language proficiency; 
• An outline of your research plans for the coming years, with clear potential for grant applications (max. 2 A4);
• Recent teaching evaluations;
• 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 and teaching presentations will take place at the end of March or beginning of April. The appointment will start on 1 August 2025.