In the context of VU’s profile theme Science for Sustainability and hosted by the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute in collaboration with VU faculties, a fellowship has been set up to allow a researcher to study a topic related to the challenges of the Anthropocene. Due to the complexity of the challenges, the fellowship examines them from different perspectives: the planet/nature, behaviour/society and ethics/religion perspective. These alternate with every term, with the next edition focused on ethics/religion starting in September 2024.

The VU Anthropocene Fellowship is intended to examine an aspect, chosen by the fellow, of the Anthropocene and to establish the concept at VU Amsterdam. Collaboration with VU and external researchers of other disciplines is encouraged as well as including stakeholders from the cultural sector. Outreach activities form an important part of the fellowship and can take the form of a lecture series or workshops, for example. You are also expected to participate in events organised by the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute.

• You have a PhD degree related to theology
• You have experience in interdisciplinary collaborations
• You are interested in the questions of the Anthropocene

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 3 months.

The ethics/religious perspective is co-hosted by the Faculty of Religion and Theology which takes care of hosting you and arranges all necessary administration, the office space and other amenities. The fellowship lasts 4 months (September- December) and consists of financial support of EUR 20K (lump sum). With this, the fellow can organise events, facilitate collaborations, hire staff for support, reduce their teaching load or buy equipment needed to realise the fellowship. The fellowship can only be granted once and not be extended, this way a wide variety of topics can be worked on. The focus areas are only indicative and should not restrict the researcher from exploring other disciplines, as an interdisciplinary research approach is encouraged.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Amsterdam Sustainability Institute
The Amsterdam Sustainability Institute is VU Amsterdam's interdisciplinary research institute that focuses on sustainability-related topics. ASI seeks to build bridges among VU researchers and with the wider community to increase our scientific and societal impact. ASI actively promotes cooperation between related but traditionally divided disciplinary approaches across VU faculties. It further develops and strengthens relations with societal partners and users of its knowledge in order to deliver timely and relevant research to society as well as to receive feedback and input to its research.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.