Tilburg University

Apply here.

Tilburg University | Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences is seeking a full professor of Communication, Cognition, and Information 

Department: Communication and Cognition

Location: Tilburg  

Contract size: 0.8 – 1.0 FTE (32 – 40 hours per week)  

Full-time gross monthly salary: minimum €7,202 and maximum €10,441

Contract duration: 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment

Context

The Department of Communication and Cognition is highly multidisciplinary and combines communication and cognitive sciences with artificial intelligence (AI) and (computational) linguistics, human-computer interaction, psychology, and sociology. We conduct both fundamental and applied research, striving to contribute to today's major issues. For example, we study how we can improve communication about climate change, how we can use data to properly inform patients about treatment options, and how we can turn polarized online discussions into more constructive interactions. We also work on improving the understanding and the responsible use of AI and digital technologies. We use a wide range of methodologies, including experiments, surveys, corpus analysis, computational modeling, interviews, digital ethnography, and design research. In addition, we are responsible for a successful Bachelor's and Master's program in Communication and Information Sciences. Within these programs, students can follow three tracks: Bedrijfscommunicatie and Digitale Media, Communication and Cognition, and New Media Design.

In the Department, we place great emphasis on sustainable research and education and attach great importance to academic freedom and scientific independence. We do also encourage team science and (interdisciplinary) collaboration (with colleagues within and outside the Department) because we believe this is essential to tackle the complex challenges we face. We see research as a steady and curiosity-driven process that requires careful reflection and attention. That is why we value slow science and prefer quality over quantity.

Description of the chair

Due to the departure of a colleague and the growth of our Department, we are looking to strengthen our team with a full professor who will conduct research and teach on the cognitive or social aspects of human communication (face-to-face or digital). In terms of content, you will align with and help shape one of the Department's priorities (e.g., climate communication, responsible and human-centered AI research, health communication, misinformation and polarization, and interpersonal and multimodal communication). You are also expected to be willing and able to take on administrative positions within the Department and to help shape education and research for the coming years, based on the values that are central to the Department.

Research

The research that you conduct is interdisciplinary and can be qualitative and descriptive as well as quantitative. You will help shape the Department's research program through the research and the broader initiatives you develop. To this end, you help set the research agenda, develop new research lines, and are committed to (methodological) innovation. You also take the lead in raising external funds for research, mentor and inspire colleagues, and actively seek collaboration with others, both within and outside the University. You critically reflect on your field and on the (social) consequences of your research and identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement where possible. You further develop and contribute to a sustainable and positive research climate in the Department, in which slow science and ethically responsible and open research are central.

Education

You will teach students in the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Communication and Information Sciences (CIW) and can also contribute to other programs if desired. You help create an environment in which high-quality, inspiring, and critical education is possible for both students and lecturers. You provide ideas and initiate new educational initiatives that contribute to a future-proof study program that is scientifically in-depth and socially relevant. In doing so, you also build bridges between the CIW study program and other degree programs within and outside the School. You have a clear vision on education and also critically reflect on the role of academic education in society and on our position and responsibility as a University and as lecturers to contribute to complex (social) issues.

Management

You take responsibility for the management of the Department. In this role, you help to formulate a sustainable and future-proof vision and research and education strategy. You also actively contribute to a value-driven, inclusive, and sustainable academic environment based on openness, integrity, trust, and solidarity. You take responsibility within the Department and beyond, setting an example for others. You are able to fulfill administrative roles elsewhere in the University as well and you reflect critically on academia in a broader sense. You also contribute to the positioning and profiling of the Department and the School within and outside the University.

Team spirit

You feel responsible and are committed to your colleagues, the Department, and the School. You are mindful of the common interest, actively seek cooperation with others, and share your knowledge and experiences. You are open to reflection and feedback and contribute to a positive culture and working environment. 

Impact

You initiate activities that influence or benefit society and the wider environment in the short and long term. Where possible and desirable, you seek collaboration with social partners and make efforts, for example, to involve society and underrepresented groups in your research. You share the results of your work with a wider audience, for example through public lectures, participation in panels, debates or advisory committees, professional publications, or media appearances.

Profile and requirements for the chair holder

The prospective chair holder has the following profile characteristics:

• Holds a PhD and conducts excellent, (methodologically) innovative, and in-depth research on one or more of the Department's core themes.
  
• Is an excellent lecturer who provides inspiring, high-quality, and critical education.
  
• Has an affinity for and a demonstrable ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner in both research and education.
  
• Has a clear vision of sustainable education and research and clearly promotes and demonstrates the importance of slow science and ethically responsible and open research.
  
• Has demonstrable leadership and administrative skills and is willing and able to take on administrative roles, both within the Department and beyond.
  
• Encourages research by others by taking on the role of leader and inspirer and has a team-oriented and connecting attitude towards colleagues and others (academic citizenship).
  
• Is able to build bridges (within the Department and beyond) between the themes and initiatives that are relevant to the Department and the University.
  
• Embodies the core values of the Department and embraces Tilburg's vision of Connected Leading, Recognition and Rewards, inclusivity, and diversity.
  
• Has experience in supervising young researchers (PhD researchers) and in applying for and leading research projects.
  
• Has excellent command, both in writing and orally, of the Dutch and the English language at CEFR C-2 level.
  
• Possesses a UTQ and excellent presentation and communication skills.

What we offer

Tilburg University offers excellent terms of employment in a pleasant working environment:  

• A position based on 0.8–1.0 FTE (32–40 hours per week).  
  
• A salary of at least €7,202 and at most €10,441 gross per month for full-time employment, based on the UFO profile for Full Professor 2. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system for grading based on relevant education and work experience.  
  
• This is a vacancy for a position in accordance with Article 2.3(1) of the CLA NU (Collective Labor Agreement for University Professors). You will receive a temporary contract for a period of 18 months. If, in the opinion of the employer, you perform well, on the condition that there is continuity in the same position and that there are equal financial and organizational circumstances, you will receive a permanent contract thereafter.  
  
• A vacation allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  
  
• The option to work partly on campus and partly from home, with a working-from-home allowance of €2 per day and a monthly internet allowance of €25.  
  
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.  
  
• An Options Model in which you can exchange employment conditions for, for example, additional leave, more pension, a bicycle, or personal training at our Sports Center.  
  
• Relocation allowance (subject to conditions).
  
• Employees from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for the 30/20/10% tax facility.  
  
• Pension through the ABP.
  
• Wide range of training options: personal development, leadership, education, research, or language courses.
  
• A work culture in which we embrace differences, everyone is welcome, and everyone has equal opportunities.  
  
• A vibrant campus in a green environment that is easily accessible by public transport.  

For more information, visit our website and consult the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact the Head of Department, Prof. dr. Juliette Schaafsma, j.schaafsma@tilburgUniversity.edu or +31 (0)13-4663579. 

We cordially invite you to apply no later than November 10, 2025; applications can only be submitted online. 

As part of the application, we ask you to include the following documents:

• cover letter
  
• CV (maximum 10 pages)
  
• your vision on research and education (maximum 1 page each)
  
• at least two references (including their names, telephone numbers, and email addresses)

An assessment may be part of the selection process. 

Ideally, you will start in this position at Tilburg University on April 1, 2026.  

This vacancy has been published internally and externally simultaneously. 

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainability, for everyone, and for current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the needs of people and our society. In this way, we contribute to solving complex societal issues and help society move forward.   

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research into broad prosperity, we focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

About the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of six departments: Communication and Cognition, Computational Cognitive Science, Intelligent Systems, Culture Studies, Philosophy, and the Tilburg Center of the Learning Sciences. The University College Tilburg is also part of the School. The School has approximately 3,100 students and around 270 employees. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences | Tilburg University)

Recruitment code

Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP). 

Disclaimer

The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.