The art of the Dutch ‘Golden’ Age has many non-Western elements, from the Islamic scarf of Vermeer’s Girl with Pearl Earring to Rembrandt’s Chinese porcelain. The project ‘The Dutch Global Age’ (NWO-Vici) examines how Netherlandish art has contributed to a global worldview and demonstrates the contemporary relevance of Netherlandish Old Masters in a globalizing world.

We are seeking three candidates for PhD positions in this project. The team will explore interactions between the arts of the Netherlands and the world beyond Europe. It will combine different approaches: technical art history (how were non-European materials used and imitated by Netherlandish artisans?), iconography (how did Netherlandish artists represent the world symbolically?), and economic art history (what were the routes, volumes, and prices of artefacts that circulated globally)? Each PhD project will single out specific museum objects as case studies. The team will also contribute to an exhibition that connects the historical questions to topical societal debates.

We expect candidates to have:

• Completed or be close to completing a Master’s degree in art history or a related field
• A solid training in object-focused art historical research
• Eagerness to work in a research team
• Eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation
• Good social and communication skills
• Excellent command of English and academic writing skills
• Reading knowledge of Dutch (or willingness to acquire this)  

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome employees who contribute to the diversity of our faculty through their unique backgrounds and perspective.

You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for a period of 18 months. Upon a good performance and positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of 30 months (4 years in total). Employment will become effective on 1 January 2023 or, by mutual agreement, shortly thereafter. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. 

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the Faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a historic centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its centuries-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the Netherlands, and is well-connected to local and international transport hubs.