PhD position theology & religious studies

Over the past century Western culture has experienced a spiritual nova-effect (Charles Taylor): once held together by a more or less uniform worldview, it has now become profoundly pluralistic in a process of diversification that is still ongoing. How should the academic study of religion and theology be restructured so as to do full justice to this pluralist turn? This PhD project aims at scrutinizing the various options on the table here both at an empirical level (involving action research in collaboration with relevant stakeholders) and at a theoretical level. Your duties

• do research and publish its results in scholarly journals, issuing in a PhD-defense
• collaborate with other researchers within and outside the FRT Future of Theology and Religious Study program
• contribute to project tasks, such as organizing workshops, and faculty community service
• contribute to teaching undergraduates
• a training- and supervision plan (TSP) will be drafted that may include attendance to courses and (international) meetings.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,618 (scale 1) per month during the first year and increases to €3,149 (scale 5) 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 12 months. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a duration of 4 years.
Additionally, 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, space for personal development, hybrid working enables a good work-life balance

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 31,000 students. We employ over 5,000 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 ten 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.