The PhD candidate will work in the research project on 'Materializing the Study of Religious Texts and Textual Practices' under the supervision of Dr Katja Rakow. The project is embedded in the research program 'Religious Matters in an Entangled World' (Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Utrecht University). The project aims at a reconfiguration of the study of religious texts and textual practices by enlarging the category of ‘religious texts’ and by approaching texts from the perspective of Material Religion. Popular religious texts - whether in the form of bestselling books by prominent religious authors, religious apps, course manuals for Bible Study or Meditation practice - play an important part in the lived religion of practitioners. The PhD project will engage in ethnographic research on the use of popular religious texts and textual practices in the field of contemporary religion. The PhD project will explore the relation of such popular religious texts to the classical ‘sacred texts’ of religious traditions and the role of popular religious texts and textual practices in the everyday life of religious practitioners. The PhD candidate should have an interest in empirical research and theory formation as well as working in an interdisciplinary research group.

Tasks:

• ethnographic research; 
• completion of a PhD thesis;
• publication of journal articles;
• co-organization of workshops;
• limited amount of teaching and teaching support.

• a Master's or equivalent degree in Religious Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Comparative Literature, Media Studies with a focus on religion;
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with good organizational and communication skills;
• proficiency in English;
• a keen interest in interdisciplinary research.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for the duration of 18 months. In case of good performance and a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of 30 months (4 years in total). The gross salary ranges between € 2,325 in the first year and € 2,972 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.