Post-doctoral researcher Department of Texts in Contexts

Organisation/Company Tilburg University Research Field Religious sciences » Biblical studies Religious sciences » Theology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 8 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Texts in Contexts Department is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join and enrich our research. We are offering a unique opportunity to submit your own research proposal and, thereby, make your own contribution to our research agenda. What research question will you present?

Your position
Your position will be placed in the Department of Texts and Contexts. The Department brings together disciplines that critically study sources from the Judeo-Christian tradition. Research deepens knowledge and understanding of the workings and relevance of that tradition and illuminates contemporary issues (including economics, leadership, spirituality, interreligiosity, dialogue, and sustainability) through centuries of interpretation and communication. This aligns with the goals of the School’s Strategic Policy Plan "Religious Literacy for the 21eCentury" and shares Tilburg University’s vision.

The Texts in Contexts research program is supported by the conviction that source texts are meaningful and valuable for today's academic, social, and ecclesiastical contexts. Specific fields of interest are (Latin) patristics, medieval theology, the history and reception of the Second Vatican Council, or (monastic) spirituality.

Tilburg School of Catholic Theology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to enrich our research. This is possible, in line with the academic disciplines represented in the Department, especially Bible studies, church and theology history, spirituality, philosophy, Judaica, fundamental and systematic theology, moral theology, and Catholic social thought. As a post-doctoral researcher, you are invited to submit a research proposal of your own consistent with one (or more) of the aforementioned disciplines and appropriate to the Texts in Contexts research program or, more specifically, consistent with the aforementioned focus areas.

Your proposal may concern (synchronic or diachronic) historical research, research focused on the relevance or functioning of tradition in relation to church and faith, or research related to current societal, academic issues or themes. With your application, we would like to receive a brief outline of how you would like to conduct research on this question.

• holds a PhD in theology, religious studies, history or a related discipline and has a proven affinity with sources from the Judeo-Christian tradition and their impact in various contexts;
• is motivated to co-author research proposals and is team science-oriented;
• will work with a senior Texts in Contexts researcher with an appropriate substantive profile;
• has knowledge of classical languages and research methodologies relevant to this research;
• has excellent international publications relevant to the position;
• is interested in and willing to undertake related tasks such as providing education or organizational tasks;
• has mastered the Dutch and/or English language, or is willing to master Dutch at B2 level;
• is visible on the Tilburg campus and has an active contribution to the School and the Department;
• is in principle appointable to a canonically recognized theological school (is an advantage).

Our offer
Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• Employment of 0.8 – 1.0 FTE (32 - 40 hours per week).
• Salary between €4,075 and €6,433 (in scale 10) gross per month for full-time employment (Researcher 4 or 3, salary scale 10 or 11). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience.
• This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3, paragraph 5 under b of the CLA DU. Candidates will be given a…