Assistant Professor of Religious Studies

We are looking for a new colleague with demonstrable expertise in the study of the religion-body nexus from the angle of gender, race or disability.

Your job
We are seeking an Assistant Professor who is interested in researching how religious traditions influence body-politics across different social-historical contexts. This involves examining how these traditions shape gendered, racialised, and normalised identities. We welcome candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, including critical theory, cultural anthropology, gender and disability studies, critical race studies, philosophy, or history. Having in-depth knowledge of multiple religious traditions and regions is advantageous. You will teach thematic and skill courses in the broad transdisciplinary field of religious studies (undergraduate and graduate levels).

We highly value interdisciplinary collaboration. Your research specialisation facilitates collaborations within one or more of Utrecht University’s research strategic themes (Institutions for Open Societies, Dynamics of Youth, Pathways to Sustainability, Life Sciences) or focus areas.

Furthermore, you will connect your research and teaching to societal stakeholders, in various forms of public outreach and engagement, collaborative research projects, etc. This is as much a contribution to society as an enrichment of fundamental research.

We are looking for a colleague who:

• has teaching and research expertise in the domain of the study of religion broadly defined;
• holds a PhD in Religious Studies or an adjacent field relevant to the position;
• has a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognised as contributing to the field delineated in the job description;
• has an innovative vision for future directions to be taken in this field;
• has experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and the ability to teach courses across our BA-MA-RMA programmes on religious studies;
• has an open and enthusiastic attitude: the willingness and ability to contribute actively to the formation of learning communities of staff and students;
• is able to teach in Dutch and English - international candidates will be helped to acquire Dutch language skills in the first two years of their appointment;
• holds, or is willing to obtain, the Dutch University Teaching Qualification (UTQ; in Dutch: Basiskwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO).

We offer:

• an employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of a permanent employment contract;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4.332,- and € 6.737,- in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11, 12 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth.

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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 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 centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your application via the ‘apply now’ button. We would like to receive the following information with your application:

• your motivation letter;
• your CV, including a publication list and the names and contact details of two referees;
• a concise research plan showing alignment with the research profile of the department, including ideas about how to create societal impact for your research (max. 400 words);
• a concise teaching statement, outlining your approach to and experience with teaching (max. 400 words);
• a key publication (max. 20 pages) (please upload your key publication under: PhD diploma).

Interviews will be held in week 13 (round 1, online ) and 15 (round 2, in person). The start date is 1 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.