Come and join the Young ARts Network (YARN)! Submit your application by 26 September!

YARN is a network for the development of talent and a body for (and by) early career researchers at the Faculty of Arts. YARN currently consists of 6 members, including some faculty members of the University’s Young Academy Groningen (YAG). We are looking for 4 new members who are interested in organizing faculty-wide events, discussing research and education policy in the Faculty of Arts, and addressing topics of interest of our YARN membership, considered broadly. Members are appointed for a 3-year term and receive a small financial compensation for research activities.

What does the Young Arts Network do?

YARN brings together enthusiastic, ambitious and talented early career researchers (ECRs) to:

• Generate an open and welcoming environment for ECRs so that they can fully realize their work in the realms of education, research, policy and administration at the Faculty of Arts
• Work towards an inspiring, safe, collegial and productive professional home for ECRs, with two specific areas of focus: diversity and interdisciplinarity.
  • Important topics for YARN with regard to diversity are inclusion and social justice reflected in a diverse staff and students’ background, a respectful environment for the expression of opinions, and diversity in research topics and approaches.
• Foster intensive dialogue with the Faculty of Arts leadership to
  • Exchange ideas and brainstorm on current topics in teaching, research and policy that are put on the agenda by the Faculty Board, other faculty members, and/or by YARN,
  • Collaborate on projects working towards a healthy working environment of ECRs, by advocating for better work-life balance, less precarious contracts, strong career prospects and mobility, attracting ECRs with strong local and international embedding, in particular in the era of de-internationalization and upcoming budget cuts
  • Increase visibility of ECRs in and outside of the Faculty of Arts

The members of YARN undertake, among other things, the following activities:

• co-organizing faculty research and discussion meetings, workshops, lectures and social events;
• providing interdisciplinary peer support in the preparation of research and grant proposals;
• consultation with the Dean and the Faculty Board.

Who can apply?

YARN is looking for members who meet the following conditions and criteria:

• Academic staff member (Postdoc, UD, UHD) of the Faculty of Arts with an appointment at least until September 1, 2028;
• The date of obtaining your doctorate should be no more than 10 years before the start of the YARN membership (starting date first year: October 1, 2025). This period can be extended by a maximum of two years in case of pregnancy (18 months per child for a mother, 6 months for the father) or sickness (in case of formal reduction of working hours);
• Motivated to spend time on YARN activities (i.e. organize at least 1 activity (lecture, workshop, social event, or similar) and participate in 1 grant proposal feedback session per year);
• Being an engaged researcher and/or lecturer within your peer group.

YARN Board aims to achieve a balanced distribution of expertise (research, teaching, management) within the network. Additionally, the representation of various disciplines, based on the differences between the three faculty research institutes (GIA, CLCG, and ICOG), is taken into account. The aim is that each institute is represented by at least two members, if possible.

How can I apply?

Interested candidates are asked to submit a narrative CV (max. one A4) containing:

• A brief description of their career trajectory, focusing on any relevant experience with respect to research, education and societal impact; and
• Their motivation to join YARN and their ideas for further developing the network and its activities (please include which activities you would propose organizing within YARN’s remit).

Your application will be reviewed by a committee of YARN and external members according to the following criteria: level of motivation to join the YARN network, type of activities, and experience in organizing events and activities.

Applications can be submitted by email to Maja Babić, Anna Moles, and Lars de Wildt.

Deadline for submission: Friday, 26 September 2025.