Your function

The School of Religion and Theology in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam seeks to hire a Ph.D. student. The position is part of the NWO-funded Vidi-project The Art of Dying in Islamic Traditions (600-1800). This five-year project (July ’26- June ‘31) led by dr. Pieter Coppens, investigates how Muslims have historically envisioned the good death, which bodily, sensory, and emotional norms were at play, and which legal and ethical concerns they had. It seeks to show when and how these norms and concerns have changed throughout the centuries among religious exemplary figures, rulers, and common people.

This PhD position specifically focuses on the death of rulers. It collects and analyzes deathbed stories of Caliphs, Sultans, kings, governors and the aristocracy of Islamic societies. It identifies major changes throughout the centuries in the distinct ethic and praxis of dying of these rulers, based on for example biographical dictionaries, chronicles, mirrors for princes, works of etiquette (adab), and court poetry.

General tasks and responsibilities for the PhD position:

• to write a PhD dissertation (in English) on the topic of the death of rulers in Islamic history
• to publish research results in the form of an article or book chapter
• to present academic papers at conferences, both national and international, and to participate in research seminars
• to help in the organization of expert meetings and an edited volume within the context of the research project

Your profile

General requirements for the PhD position:

• an MA or equivalent degree in Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, History, or cognate disciplines
• knowledge of at least one primary Islamicate language (preferably classical Arabic, but Persian or Ottoman will also be considered, depending on the candidate’s research idea)
• proficiency in English (spoken and written) as well as the ability to work with secondary literature in modern European languages
• experience and affinity with digital methods, sensory history and history of emotions are commendable
• ability to work independently and willingness to work in a research team, with good organizational and social skills

The VU strives to be a diverse employer and make positions accessible to applicants with disabilities. As per the Participation Act, this job opening has been created. Hence, we warmly welcome applicants with employment limitations covered under the job agreement to apply. We promise to offer the utmost support and direction.

What do we offer?

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 € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 18 months. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.

The starting date of the contract will be January 1, 2027.

VU strives to have a diverse workforce. We want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select based on competencies and talents. We therefore encourage anyone who recognizes themselves in a vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, religion, philosophy of life, orientation, disability or chronic illness, to respond. Candidates with a jobs agreement indication (“doelgroepregistratie”) will be given priority if suitable. For these candidates applies:

• A PhD candidate with a registration (“doelgroepregister”) may apply for a minimum of 0.7 fte
• An extra supervisor is available for PhD students with target group registration and their supervisors

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. 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
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

School of Religion and Theology
The School 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 School 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.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

A better understanding of ourselves and social communities, values and meaning, through social sciences and humanities. That is the aim of The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. No single discipline can do this alone. The SSH disciplines are characterised by an open way of thinking and the natural urge to seek coherence and connection.

The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc) and School of Humanities (SH).

Are you interested in joining Social Sciences and Humanities? You become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, we work together on education and research with impact.

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 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. 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.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Please upload the following documents:

• A CV that describes relevant experience and mentions two referees with contact details
• Cover letter outlining why you are interested in and qualified for this position, and a first short pitch (150 words) of your research idea

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Based on these applications a short list will be made. The talks are planned for the end of June. If shortlisted, you will there be asked to present a further elaboration of your research idea.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.