PhD positions Theology and Religion Studies (2,7 fte) (EXPIRED)

University of Groningen - Graduate School

Vacancy number 213053-55

Job description
The aim of the PhD programme of the Graduate School is to turn out highly qualified researchers. For this purpose, the Graduate School offers PhD positions to excellent candidates who recently graduated. The PhD programme takes three years and leads to a PhD degree. These three years are primarily spent on the PhD thesis.

The PhD programme is embedded in the research institute ThRS with three excellent research programmes, namely:

1. Jewish, Christian and Islamic Origins
2. Comparative, and Historical Study of Religion
3. Christianity, Philosophy, and Culture

Applicants are encouraged to develop their own research plans and should submit a proposal that outlines their main research interest.

Two positions are eligible for any topic within the research scope of one of the three research programmes of the Faculty. Interested candidates are advised to contact their potential supervisors: www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-theology-and-religious-studies/organization/academic-staff.

A third position is eligible for a topic within the endowed chair programme Religious Studies (Prof. C.K.M. von Stuckrad, www.vonstuckrad.com). Possible themes for doctoral research are therefore linked to the overall topic of "Transformation of the religious field since the eighteenth century."

Requirements
The successful candidate is ambitious, highly motivated and wishes to make a career in research. He or she has a thorough training in research skills, speaks and writes fluently English and has obtained excellent results in the master phase. The proposed research outline is closely related to one of the research programmes of the Graduate school.

Candidates should:

• have a MA degree, preferable of two years in Theology or Religion Studies, or other areas in the Humanities
• In addition to a one year Master degree, applicants can prove that they have sufficient research-related experience and knowledge. Examples of such equivalence include: an MPhil degree from a well-reputed university; having obtained a second regular Master degree from a well-reputed university; or having completed a research-oriented Honours programme with a minimum of 30 EC.
• be fluent in English (written and spoken)
• have the abilities to finish the PhD thesis in three years, like planning, taking initiative, academic writing, desire to publish.

An assessment may be part of the procedure.

Conditions of employment
The University of Groningen offers a salary of minimal € 2,062 gross a month in the first year to maximal € 2,638 a month in the final year based on a full-time position. In addition there are a 8% holiday allowance and a 8,3% end of year bonus. The 0,9 fte appointment is temporary for a period of three years, under the condition of a positive assessment in the end of the first year to evaluate the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next two years.

Starting date is 1 September 2013.

How to apply
Applications for the position should include:

• a curriculum vitae, including academic qualifications, grades, a list of publications (if applicable), two letters of academic recommendation from professors who can write knowledgeably about your personal and academic qualifications and your suitability for the chosen field of study
• official university transcripts of grades
• a letter explaining your motivation, your interest in the project, and your competence in the research field
• a proposal of max 4 pages describing how you intend to conduct the project you are applying for
• your M.A. thesis.

Please send your application before 1 June 2013 Dutch local time by means of the application form.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Organisation
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established itself as an international community of scholars and students who work and study at the forefront of knowledge. Its Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies has a strong international reputation and is renowned for its study into the relation between religion and culture. For more information on the faculty, see: www.rug.nl/ggw

The graduate school of the Faculty of Theology and Religion Studies of the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) has available 3 PhD positions (0,9 fte).

Additional information
Prof. J.T.A.G.M. van Ruiten, Director of the Graduate School of Theology and Religious Studies, e-mail: J.T.A.G.M.van.Ruiten[at]rug.nl

More information about employer University of Groningen on AcademicTransfer.