We are seeking a highly motivated postdoc to join a multidisciplinary project investigating inclusion, exclusion and integration of cultural minorities in the funerary cultures of Northern Europe. The project focuses on eight smaller cities across six countries. The appointee will work on three case study towns: Leeuwarden, Maastricht and Luxembourg. The project will generate a policy report and visual exhibition, including photographs and models produced by participants which will be exhibited in the case study towns.
The post will be located at the University of Groningen, working with Prof. Christoph Jedan (Theology and Religious Studies, Groningen), Prof. Eric Venbrux (Centre of Thanatology, Nijmegen) and Dr Sonja Kmec (History, Luxembourg). The postdoc will be required to undertake some travel and overnight stays when conducting research, dissemination activities and conference presentations.

Candidates for the position should have:
• a PhD in a relevant field in the humanities or social sciences (e.g. theology/religious studies, languages, history, cultural anthropology, political science, cultural geography)
• expertise in death studies and/or migration and minority studies
• excellent communication skills in English; fluency at least in reading Dutch and French, and (ideally) knowledge of another language relevant to the project (e.g. Turkish, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindustani, Cantonese)
• skills at working in a multidisciplinary team
• organisational competence, a talent for visual presentation and excellent communication skills.

Main duties and responsibilities:
• academic literature review
• conducting in-depth stakeholder and biographical interviews at the three case study towns (Leeuwarden, Maastricht, Luxembourg)
• qualitative data analysis
• preparation of a policy-briefing report, to inform local authorities and other stakeholders
• preparation and delivery of papers at key national and international conferences and project workshops
• preparation of journal articles for submission to leading international journals
• project management of public engagement and dissemination activities.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualifications and work experience of € 2,709 gross per month up to a maximum of € 3,637 gross per month (salary scale 10.0-10.7 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities, CAO-NU) for a full-time position. This position is defined according to the UFO function profile 'researcher 4'. In addition, the candidate is paid an 8% holiday allowance and an annual bonus of 8.3%. The position is 1.0 FTE, on a temporary basis, for two years.

The appointee will ideally commence in post on 1 June 2019.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 11 April 11.59pm / before 12 April 2019 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Interested candidates should submit a complete application consisting of:
• a letter of motivation
• (combined in a single pdf:) a CV with a list of publications and the names and contact details of three referees; a brief statement of the applicant’s research ideas for the project (maximum: 1,500 words); a list of up to three ‘best papers’ and the pdf of one of the aforementioned self-selected best papers as a writing sample.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Job interviews are expected to be held in the last week of April 2019 in Groningen. Travel and accommodation will be arranged and reimbursed.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Being among the best research universities in Europe and working alongside prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen aims to be an international centre of knowledge.

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies dates back to the University’s foundation. Being part of a public university, it aims to perform cutting-edge research and teaching in a wide variety of disciplines in the fields of theology and religious studies. We investigate religions as cultural phenomena and social forces in diverse contexts in the past and present. By generating and sharing scholarly knowledge, the Faculty aims to create impact and to contribute to a sustainable society, offering the public and government credible resources for reflection on religion and society.

As partner in the EU-funded HERA project ‘Cemeteries and Crematoria as public spaces of belonging in Europe: A study of migrant and minority cultural inclusion, exclusion and integration’ (CeMI), led by Prof. Avril Maddrell (University of Reading), the faculty seeks to appoint a postdoc at the interface of death studies, migration and minority studies (1.0 fte, 2 years, commencing June 2019). Potential candidates with a migration / minority background are particularly encouraged to apply.