Postdoc Generational Dynamics among Christian Migrant Youth in the Netherlands

The Center for Theology of Migration is looking for a postdoc researcher who will explore the dynamics between first-generation migrant Christians and second or third-generation migrant Christian youth, studying the factors influencing relations between them as well as their respective identities and sense of belonging. This research aims to support young Christian migrants as they navigate and develop their cultural, religious, and professional identities, and to establish a ground for intergenerational conversations

Your duties

• undertake independent research on intergenerational dynamics among Christian migrants in the Netherlands and realize international peer-reviewed publications
• participate in the team of the Center for Theology of Migration and assist in its further developments
• develop and maintain a network of Christian migrant communities, researchers, and relevant organizations
• transfer research output into societal impact, including guest lectures, workshops, and public symposiums for interested parties

• a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, e.g., anthropology of religion, sociology of religion, psychology of religion, or practical theology with a focus on empirical approaches
• expertise in researching and working with migrant churches in the Netherlands
• excellent command of English
• the ability to work within a team as well as work independently

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

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.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.226,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.929,00 (Scale 11) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 3, Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 0.4 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 2 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

The Center for Theology of Migration is the academic and ministerial center of Samen Kerk in Nederland, at the Faculty of Religion and Theology of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The Center focuses on two major areas: education and research. It offers a one-year postgraduate program for migrant pastors, church workers, and clergies. It is also involved in scientific research in the fields of migration and Christianity, the role of migrant churches in the Netherlands and the wider Western world, and the dynamics between migrant churches and society. One of its recently completed research projects is “Migrant churches, Christian therapeutic organizations and mental health care for Christian migrants in the Netherlands.”

More information can be found at https://www.cthm.info.

Faculty of Religion and Theology
The Faculty of Religion and Theology at VU Amsterdam is the leading centre of expertise for the study of religion in society in the Netherlands. Our students, lecturers and researchers are critically engaged with the major religious and societal themes relevant for today. From holy scripture and pastoral care to peace studies and contemporary spirituality.

We are the most comprehensive theological faculty in the world, with ten seminaries that encompass all world religions and many Christian denominations. Together we explore issues of faith and belief. We are open to each other’s ideas in our quest for knowledge, values and truth. Together we expand our horizons, strengthen our understanding and find new pathways in a time of huge social upheaval.

Are you interested in joining Religion and Theology? That means contributing to excellence in research and education connected to spiritual commitment, personal engagement and social responsibility. You will join over 100 colleagues at FRT.

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.