PhD in Trauma, Religious Heritage, and Secularization at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Utrecht University in the Netherlands on trauma, religious heritage, memory, and secularization.

This fully funded PhD is part of the large-scale Traumascapes project (2026–2032), funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The project examines how places associated with collective trauma are shaped by history, memory, identity, exclusion, and changing social meanings.

Research theme: Palimpsests of Trauma and Resilience: Religious Heritage Sites Through Conflict, Emancipation and Secularization.

The PhD will focus on religious “traumascapes” in Utrecht, including the former hidden church Maria Minor, the former church/current cathedral St. Gertrudis, and St. Jacobus Church. The project explores layers of trauma linked to the Reformation, internal Catholic conflicts, excommunication, secularization, and the changing use of sacred buildings (for example, as a home, bar, or conference center).

Research areas and keywords: religious studies, theology, history, religious heritage, historical trauma, memory cultures, intergenerational impact, secularization, urban landscapes, interdisciplinary humanities research.

What you will do: conduct historical and contemporary research; study the experiences of communities and users; collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and societal partners; contribute to academic debates on trauma and heritage; and teach in religious studies or a related field.

Eligibility highlights: a completed master’s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, History, or a related discipline; strong academic writing and research skills; interest in interdisciplinary humanities; ability to work independently and in teams; excellent Dutch (required) and strong English.

Funding: fully funded 4-year PhD position with a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus, along with training, development, and teaching experience.

Application window: deadline 17 May 2026. Applicants must submit a 1-page motivation letter, CV (max 3 pages), 1-page research proposal, writing sample (max 20 pages), and diplomas/transcripts, combined into one PDF as instructed.