Lecturer in Cultural Data

Would you like to teach cutting-edge theories, computational methods, and questions in Critical Data & AI? Then we have the perfect challenge for you

Critical Data & AI Studies

The Department of Media Studies is looking for a Lecturer for a temporary period of four years to teach in the Media Studies BA and MA programmes, specifically in the BA track Cultural Information Studies and in the Master's programme Cultural Data & AI. Teaching will take place in courses concerned with topics such as critical data and AI studies, AI practices, digital and computational methods, and contemporary themes in digital culture. Candidates must be in possession of a PhD to teach in the MA programme.
Candidates should have considerable knowledge in the field of critical data studies, especially in the areas of computational research methods and critical AI studies. They will also have demonstrable capacities in media theory, AI ethics and data analysis. Practical experience in working analytically with cultural data sets (e.g., cultural heritage data, social media data) and computational tools is desirable. Of advantage would be experience in working with societal partners in the space of cultural data analysis.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Critical Data & AI team in the Media Studies Department.

This is what you will be doing

• Providing BA education within the Media and Information programme, and MA education within the Cultural Data & AI programme under the supervision of the course coordinator, in the areas of both critical data & AI studies and digital & computational methods;
• Marking assignments, papers and/or theses, providing input on tests and test questions, entering marks;
• Attending meetings and lectures, preparing for teaching, updating and developing course materials or assignments according to relevant teaching methods, working in collaboration with colleagues and the course coordinator;
• Coordinating practical matters relating to your own seminar group[s] (such as handling administrative matters and communicating with students);
• Supervising theses and providing other individual supervision to students (mentoring and/or supervising internships and embedded research projects).

This is what we ask of you 

• Minimum qualification: a PhD degree in Media and/or Information Studies or a related discipline;
• Teaching or teaching-support experience at university level, specifically in Media and/or Information Studies;
• Preferred proficiency in Python, data-science libraries, and working with APIs;
• Preferred experience in working with societal partners in the space of cultural data analysis;
• Team spirit and a willingness to participate in activities of the Critical Data & AI team;
• Pedagogical and didactical competence (e.g., ability to cater to students' learning situation, to teach a curriculum that has already been developed, to supervise students and to make an active contribution in meetings with fellow lecturers);
• University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained the UTQ you are required to start with the UTQ track upon commencement of your employment contract and obtain the certificate within three years of employment; 
• Ability to teach in English;
• A good command of the Dutch language. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer the opportunity to take courses in Dutch as a second language.

This is what else we offer you

We offer temporary employment for a period of four years with a probationary period of two months. The preferred starting date is February 1, 2026​. The working hours will be 30,4 per week, with a salary between € € 5.538 gross based on full time employment of 38h per week, excl. 8% holiday allowance and a year end bonus of 8,3%. The Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities is applicable.

In addition, we offer:

• Excellent training and development opportunities, including participation in our Lecturer Development Programme and time reserved for professional development;
• The opportunity to attain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ);
• The opportunity to participate in the Dutch as a Second Language programme II;
• A position in which taking initiative and providing input are greatly appreciated;
• An enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team;  
• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

This is where you'll be working

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions?
For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at: 

​​Prof. dr. T. (Thomas) Poell

professor of Data, Culture & Institutions

Application
If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send as a single PDF file your cover (motivation) letter and CV, including the names and email addresses of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation. Only complete applications received by the deadline via the link below will be considered.

The vacancy closes on Interviews, including a short trial lecture, will take place on ​

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