Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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PhD Position in Early Modern Religious Debates and the Public Sphere Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Media Studies
Funding
This is a full-time, salaried PhD employment position. The salary is €3,204 gross per month initially, increasing to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year. The initial employment contract is for 18 months and may be extended, subject to sufficient perspective, to a total of four years. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, an ABP pension scheme, holiday leave, commuting-cost contributions, and access to sports facilities. The starting date is 1 April
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is offering a full-time PhD position in Early Modern Religious Debates and the Public Sphere within the NWO-funded project In Search of the Truth, in Search of Adherents.
The doctoral research examines public religious debates in the sixteenth and seventeenth-century Low Countries, including debates among Calvinists, Mennonites, Catholics, and Lutherans. The project investigates how debates shaped religious identities, strategies of argument, audience participation, the publication of debate minutes, and the emergence of a public sphere. The research sits at the intersection of religious studies, church history, early modern Dutch history, theology, media history, and intellectual history.
The PhD candidate will write a dissertation and academic articles, contribute to research outreach and knowledge exchange, help prepare a critical edition of early modern Dutch-language debates, participate in the research group and department, and attend Graduate School and NOSTER courses. The candidate will work closely with another PhD researcher using digital humanities methods.
Applicants should have a research master's degree in a relevant humanities discipline, strong knowledge of early modern Dutch history, and the ability to read and analyse early modern sources. Excellent Dutch and English are required, while digital humanities experience is advantageous. Applications should include a CV, cover letter, and, where available, a master's thesis.
The position is based at the School of Religion and Theology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands. It offers a salaried four-year employment pathway, beginning with an 18-month contract, with a salary ranging from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month. The application deadline is 27 November 2026, and the intended start date is 1 April 2027.
Funding details
This is a full-time, salaried PhD employment position. The salary is €3,204 gross per month initially, increasing to a maximum of €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year. The initial employment contract is for 18 months and may be extended, subject to sufficient perspective, to a total of four years. Benefits include 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, an ABP pension scheme, holiday leave, commuting-cost contributions, and access to sports facilities. The starting date is 1 April
What's required
Applicants must hold a research master's degree in a humanities discipline such as religious history, church history, history, or philosophy; have thorough knowledge of early modern Dutch history; be able to read and analyse relevant early modern sources; collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the research group; and have excellent command of Dutch and English. Knowledge of and experience with digital humanities methods are a strong asset. Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and, where available, a copy of their master's thesis. A diploma submission and reference check are part of the process.
How to apply
Apply through the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam vacancy portal by uploading a CV, cover letter, and, if available, your master's thesis. Applications by email will not be considered.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.