He was educated at the University of Groningen, where he completed his studies with a PhD on the Holocaust in contemporary Jewish American literature.

Before joining AUC, Joost taught American Studies at the University of Groningen and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Ghent. At AUC, Joost teaches Advanced Research Writing and Big Questions in Time. Additionally, Joost is vice-chair to AUC's Board of Examiners and he is one of the UvA's confidential advisors.