Our Belgian partner the VUB is hiring a Professor in ‘Mathematics in Primary Education’

Are you passionate about researching innovative educational methods in teaching mathematics at primary schools? Do you aspire to develop your academic career in Brussels, the heart of Europe? Are you ready to share your expertise with colleagues and the next generation of students at the unique Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you! Read on and apply for this unique chance!
 

About the Position

As a full-time tenure track lecturer at the Multidisciplinary Institute for Teacher Education at VUB, you will specialize in primary education with a focus on mathematics. Your role will encompass both teaching and research at the intersection of pedagogy, primary education, and mathematics.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for teaching following courses in Dutch:
  • Mathematics and Statistics (3 ECTS)
  • Mathematics, Science and Technology (6 ECTS)
  • Data and Evidence-Based Teaching (6 ECTS)
• You will develop a teaching package on research methods, techniques, and data analysis for education professionals (12 ECTS) within the first three years.
• You will provide flexible learning opportunities for working students, including career changers and regular pathways, integrating educational technology. Lessons in the evenings, occasionally on Saturday. 
• You will supervise teaching assistants involved in your subjects.

Research Responsibilities:

• You will conduct scientific research in pedagogy, teacher education and mathematics, with publication productivity being a key factor in the assessment.
• You will supervise at least one Ph.D. student and attract competitive external funding as principal or co-principal investigator.
• You will build and maintain an (inter)national network in the research community and professional field.
• You will play an active role in developing updated Educational Masters programs and teacher professionalization initiatives.

Other Responsibilities:

• You will engage in departmental and university governance and outreach activities.
• You will develop professional relationships with schools as part of ‘de Onderzoekende School’.

Profile

What do we expect from you?

You are holder of a PhD in mathematics, pedagogy or a related domain. You are holder of a teachersdegree. Experience in primary education is recommended.

Scientific Expertise:

• You have expertise in mathematics and numeracy didactics.
• You have a research track record in didactics, teacher education and mathematics, preferably focusing on primary school age groups.
• Experience in quantitative educational research is recommended.

Skills:

• Ability to coordinate scientific activities and projects.
• Proven leadership experience in motivating and coaching a team.
• Strong motivation for scientific research.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

You subscribe to the university’s vision of education. The full text in relation to this is available on the university website.

Every first appointment is dependent upon the successful delivery of a teaching session. 

Language regulations:

A member of the academic staff who is entrusted with a teaching assignment must be able to demonstrate that the language of instruction is known at ERK level C1 through a qualification certificate or through an adequate diploma. The administrative language of the VUB is Dutch. In case of insufficient knowledge of Dutch, the VUB will provide an integration course. After a maximum of five years, a member of the academic staff must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the administrative language (ERK level B2).

For a complete overview, please consult the complete language regulations on https://jobs.vub.be/content/Regulations-concerning-language-proficiency/, certificates demonstrating knowledge of the language can already be added to the application.

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

Offer

You will receive a fulltime tenure track appointment for 5 years (1 FTE), with eligibility for tenure as a senior lecturer. The starting date is May 1st, 2025, or later. Our campus in Etterbeek will serve as your home base.
 

The position includes a competitive salary and various benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options and allowances.
• An open and informal working environment with a focus on work-life balance.
• Exceptional holiday arrangements and cost-free hospitalization insurance.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commute and bike compensation.
• Attractive campus meal options and excellent sports facilities.
• Nursery near campus
• Discounts on various services and products.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

Interested?

Apply by February 28th via https://jobs.vub.be/ (jobtitle Tenure Track Professor Basisonderwijs) and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter, including your vision on education and research.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Diploma and language certificates (if applicable).

For job content inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Joost Vaesen.

Learn more about working at VUB and the EUTOPIA alliance.

About VUB

For over 50 years, Vrije Universiteit Brussel has championed freedom, equality, and solidarity. Our campuses are vibrant with diverse personalities united by innovation and authenticity. With 4,000 employees across four campuses, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer in Brussels, the international capital of the EU. As a humanist university, we value free inquiry, equality, and connectedness, fostering a respectful and inclusive community.