The Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Political Theory. The successful candidate will conduct research in any area of political theory/philosophy, and will have experience or familiarity with empirical research methods.

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).

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.

Political Theory jobs

Assistant Professor in Political Theory