Assistant Professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy

Posted 2026-10-05

Job description

The Department of Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Ethics and Political Philosophy.

We are looking for a philosopher with a research profile in both ethics and political philosophy. Expertise in the philosophy of economics is an advantage. The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s interdisciplinary research and teaching profile and participate actively in its academic community.

Teaching responsibilities will focus on introductory courses in ethics and political philosophy in the bachelor’s programmes PPE, Philosophy, and other bachelor’s programmes at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The successful candidate will also develop a Master course for the track Ethics, Economics and Policy, and teach in the track Philosophy, Bioethics and Health.

Note, this is an entry-level faculty position suited for early-career scholars and is not intended for senior applicants currently at or near the Associate Professor level.

Your duties

As Assistant Professor, you will:

• conduct internationally relevant research in ethics and political philosophy;
• publish your research in appropriate academic journals, books, or edited volumes;
• actively pursue external research funding, including grant opportunities for early-career researchers, individually and in collaboration with colleagues;
• teach bachelor’s and master’s courses in ethics and political philosophy;
• supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses, particularly in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics bachelor’s programme and the Ethics, Economics and Policy and Philosophy, Bioethics and Health master’s programmes;
• contribute to the development, coordination, and evaluation of courses and curricula;
• participate actively in the research and educational activities of the Ethics Group, the Department of Philosophy, and the John Stuart Mill College; and
• undertake a proportionate share of administrative and organisational responsibilities within the Department.

Requirements

You have:

• a PhD in Philosophy, completed by the starting date of the appointment;
• an active research profile encompassing both ethics and political philosophy;
• the ability to teach ethics and political philosophy at bachelor’s and master’s level;
• strong teaching, communication, and organisational skills;
• an international academic orientation and the potential to develop a relevant international network;
• the ability to teach effectively in English; and
• the ability and willingness to work constructively in interdisciplinary teaching and research environments.

Some courses offered by the Department of Philosophy are taught in Dutch. Proficiency in Dutch is therefore an advantage. Candidates must be able to teach in Dutch, or be willing to reach the required proficiency within an agreed timeframe following appointment.

A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO) is desirable. If you do not yet hold this qualification, you must be willing to obtain it within an agreed timeframe following appointment.

Conditions of employment

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. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 4.925,00 (scale 11) and maximum € 6.682,00 (scale 11) gross per month, on a full-time basis.
• a position for 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 18 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• space for personal development
• good growth opportunities
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Employer

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Additional information

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

We require the following:

• CV
• motivation letter, incl. research and teaching statement (around 3 pages)
• writing sample (around 8k words)
• PhD certificate
• names/contact details of 2 references

Timeline:

• Vacancy closing date: 1 November 2026
• Interviews: 25 November 2026
• Intended starting date: preferably 1 January 2027; 1 September 2027 at the latest

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Working at VU Amsterdam

Working at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam means contributing to a better world. Working beyond the confidence of your own field, working with an open mind and working for the benefit of society.