The interdisciplinary project “Connecting Climate Discourse and Religious Language” of the VU profile theme “Connected World” is looking for two Academy Assistants, one student with technical skills in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and text mining and one with a background in religious studies, linguistics or social sciences. This vacancy concerns the latter position.

Based on the work done by the other Academy Assistant with a background in Natural Language Processing and Text mining, you will relate the outcome of the text mining of the archived instances of websites of NGO's such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund to religious language and the current societal debates about the environmental issues.

You will report your work, such as a coding manual to facilitate the text analysis, to your team and contribute to the final deliverables of the project including a public event and an academic journal article.

• Expertise in Religious Studies, Linguistics or Social Sciences
• Eager to learn from other disciplines, related to Natural Language Processing and statistical language models
• Completed BA or 3rd year BA in a relevant discipline
• Being enrolled as a student at a university in the Netherlands

Fixed-term contract: 9 months.

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 € 2.618,00 (SA) gross per month, on a full-time basis. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 0.2 FTE. Your employment contract will last 9 months

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

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the project
The threat of drought, floods, famine, and conflict due to climate change is often described in apocalyptic terms. Statements that the end of the world is near and that there will be no escape, can be found both in religious texts and in urgent calls for climate action. Sometimes references to religious apocalypticism are overt, sometimes they are hidden. This applies not only to doom scenarios about an unavoidable end, but also to calls for responsibility, action and care for nature (cf., e.g., the use of the term ‘creation’ or ‘Mother Earth’).

The project will address questions such as: how is climate conversation shaped by religious concepts and what does this reveal about the interrelatedness of world view and attitudes towards nature and climate?

The two Academy Assistants will be part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of Willem van Peursen (Digital Humanties, theology, linguistics; FRT), Dr. Yusuf Çelik (text mining, DH, religious studies; FRT), Dr. Jan-Jorrit Hasselaar (theology, economics and sustainable development; FRT), Prof. Sandjai Bhulai (Business Analytics, BETA) and Dr. Meike Morren (Consumer Behavior and Sustainable Marketing, School of Business and Economics).

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.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application, even if you don't meet all requirements.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.