Full Professor: Social and Economic History

1. Introduction

Are you an innovative and experienced scholar in Social and Economic History? And do you aspire to lead a diverse group of dedicated scholars, shape (early) modern history, and thrive in a vibrant academic community? Then come and join us at Radboud University as a Full Professor!

2. Job description

The Economic, Social and Demographic History section at Radboud University is looking for a Full Professor of Social and Economic History (0.8-1.0 FTE). The position builds on the section's existing strengths, which include the social history of (Dutch) colonialism and labour inequalities, demographic history and medical history. Methodologically, historical databases and quantitative analysis are common to these fields of expertise as is a focus on the role of ordinary people in societal developments. You are an economic and social historian with wide scholarly interests who links historical research to a wider public (co-creation and citizen science) and to contemporary issues (societal debates and policy advice). Our section is especially interested in scholars able to study economic and societal developments (both in their historical context and in light of scientific approaches) and present-day societal issues, such as inequality, the colonial past or demography.

As Chair of Economic, Social and Demographic History at Radboud University, you will build on your robust and innovative research agenda, a track record of outstanding scholarly publications, and other academic achievements at an international level. You will develop cross-disciplinary collaborations through teaching and research, mentoring and forging links with students and faculty across the university and beyond. You will contribute to the development of courses at all levels and teach both introductory and specialised courses. You will also participate in teaching in Faculty-wide minor programmes and the Research Master’s degree programme.

You will take on a leading role in your field of expertise and present a strong vision of its future development. You will play a dynamic and proactive role in the Radboud Institute for Culture and History (RICH), one of the research institutes of the Faculty of Arts, contributing to its mission and research programme by participating in and further stimulating its research activities, publishing in high-impact journals and other research outlets, recruiting and supervising PhD candidates, mentoring junior faculty members, and applying for research grants.

3. Profile

• You should hold a PhD degree in History (or in a related field of study) and specialise in economic and social history.
• Your research incorporates large historical datasets and, preferably, new Digital Humanities techniques.
• You have a track record of international publications that demonstrate these interests.
• You occupy a leading position in your field of expertise, have a global network of contacts in the academic world, and foster cooperation with public institutions.
• You are committed to collaboration and forging connections between various sections and departments within the university, and between various historical fields and institutes in economic and social history, nationally and internationally.
• You have been a recipient of research grants or fellowships, and you have well-defined plans for applying for research grants in the near future.
• You have wide-ranging interests in economic and social history, allowing you to participate in a variety of courses.
• You are an inspiring lecturer with a strong teaching philosophy and experience in curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• You have a university teaching qualification or an equivalent qualification, or are prepared to obtain such a qualification within two years. 
• You are well familiar with the Dutch university system. An excellent command of the Dutch language is a plus, while the willingness to master it in the short term is a must.
• You possess leadership competencies.
• You are an experienced supervisor of PhD candidates.
• You have ample experience in managing, mentoring and facilitating academic staff as well as in stimulating and organising team science.
• You are motivated to take on larger leadership roles in administration and management in accordance with the Faculty’s rules and customs. 

4. We are

The professorship is part of the Department of History, Art History and Classics, one of the three departments comprising the Faculty of Arts. You will represent the Economic, Social and Demographic History section within the university and beyond, serve as its head, and work in close connection with its staff members and with the Department as a whole. You will be expected to serve as a standard bearer for student recruitment and take on a crucial role in the promotion and visibility of early-modern and modern history, both nationally and internationally.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of one year with the prospect of an indefinite contract.
• Your salary within salary scale H2 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Wim van Meurs. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 20 October. Any second interview will take place on Thursday 20 November. You will preferably start your employment on 1 August 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.