The research
You are free to choose the subject of the scheduled PhD research, as long as it is in line with the themes of the FRT Research Teams. To this end, you have to submit a research proposal, with a link to the agenda of one of the FRT research teams, in which you explain the subject and research question of this PhD track according to the format of the Graduate School FRT. A successful research proposal stands out by the following components:

• Academic embedding and relevance of the chosen topic
• A scientific research question, broken down into subquestions
• An argument that underlines the academic importance of the chosen topic

Your duties

• conducting scientific research in the field of religion and theology
• writing a scientific thesis, which may or may not consist of separate articles published in and submitted to peer-reviewed journals (see VU PhD rules and regulations)
• writing Dutch and/or English-language informative articles for a wider audience, presenting the findings of the research.
• acquiring didactic skills under the responsibility of a teacher by giving bachelor courses (max. 20% of the appointment) within the FRT programmes, with the aim of obtaining the BKO-certificate

The suitable candidate:

• is a graduate (MA) in Theology or Religious Studies, preferably with a Research Master's degree;
• has demonstrable experience and affinity with scientific research;
• is able to operate in a pluralistic and multi-religious context and to contribute to relevant discussions;
• is able to work in interdisciplinary teams (listening, flexible, adaptive, proactive)
• has good organisational and communication skills;
• has an excellent command of English and preferably Dutch and is willing to perfect it by following courses;
• meets the admission requirements of the Graduate School FRT VU: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/how-to-apply

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2.376 (scale 7) per month during the first year and increases to €3,208 (scale 7) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 18 months. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a duration of 4 years. At the end of the fourth year, the employment contract must be completed with a dissertation.

The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

Faculty of Religion and Theology
The Faculty of Religion and Theology is the leading academic centre of expertise for religion in society. Students, lecturers and researchers focus on the major questions in society and in religious communities. They study religious traditions, sources and contemporary expressions of the religious experience. The faculty practises 'engaged scholarship' as expressed in cooperation with governments and partners in civil society on themes such as war and peace, sustainable development and inter-religious dialogue. We are the most comprehensive theological faculty worldwide, with nine seminaries for all world religions and many Christian denominations.

Working at Religion and Theology means contributing to excellent research and education through personal commitment, philosophical/religious involvement and social responsibility. We employ more than 100 staff.