Job opening: PhD researcher for the Department of Texts in Context

Tilburg University | School of Catholic Theology

is looking for a

PhD researcher for the Department of Texts in Contexts

Department: Texts in Contexts

Location: Tilburg or Utrecht

Contract size: 0.8 - 1.0 FTE (32 to 40 hours per week)

Full-time gross monthly salary: €3,059 in year 1 to a maximum of €3,881 in year 4

Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension for 36 months

Desired start date: as soon as possible

The Texts in Contexts Department is looking for a PhD researcher to join and enrich our research. We offer a unique opportunity to submit your own research proposal and thus 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.

The Tilburg School of Catholic Theology is looking for a PhD 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 PhD researcher is invited to submit a research proposal of your own, appropriate to the Texts in Contexts research program or, more specifically, consistent with the aforementioned disciplines and areas of interest. The proposal includes an argumentation for the choice of an intended (co-)supervisor within TST (in consultation with the intended (co-)supervisor). It may be a (synchronic or diachronic) historical research proposal or research focused on the relevance and/or functioning of the tradition in relation to the current social, academic, and/or ecclesiastical context.

Your profile

The PhD researcher

• is a graduate in theology, religious studies, history, or related discipline;


• has knowledge of classical languages and research methods relevant to this research;


• is motivated to conduct scientific research under the supervision of a (co-)supervisor within TST;


• demonstrates scientific integrity, critical thinking skills, and the ability to conduct independent research;


• is interested in and willing to perform (limited) 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;

Our offer

Tilburg University offers excellent working conditions in a pleasant working environment:

• A position based on 0.8 FTE or 1.0 FTE (32 hours or 40 hours per week).


• You will be classified as a PhD researcher with a salary in scale P of the CLA Dutch Universities.


• A salary of at least €3,059 in year 1 to a maximum of €3,881 gross per month in year 4 for full-time employment.


• This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3, paragraph 8 under b of the CLA NU. You will initially be given a temporary contract for the duration of 12 months. Upon a positive go-no go evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining 36 months. The total of the contract covers a maximum of 4 years.


• Holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.


• Over 8 weeks of holiday leave.


• The opportunity to work partly on campus and partly from home with a home office allowance of €2 per day.


• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.


• A monthly internet allowance of €25.


• An Options Model in which you exchange employment conditions for, for example, additional leave, more pension, a bicycle, or personal training at our Sports Center.


• 30% rule for international employees (if applicable).


• A pension with ABP; the largest Dutch pension fund.


• Ample training opportunities: personal development, leadership, education, research, or language courses.


• Inclusive work culture: everyone is welcome, equal opportunities.


• Green Tilburg campus with good public transport accessibility.

Look for more information on our website and in the CLA Dutch Universities.

Information and application

We cordially invite you to apply before March 9, 2026; this can only be done online. Address your cover letter with a portfolio to the chair of the Selection Committee, Dr. mult. Krijn Pansters.  The portfolio contains, in addition to the letter, a Curriculum Vitae and a research plan. The research plan contains an argumentation for the choice of the intended (co-)supervisor(s) and a proposal of maximum one A4, in which you clarify how you will contribute to the research agenda of Texts in Contexts: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/research/theology/programs/texts-contexts

Would you like to have more information before applying? Feel free to contact Dr. Arnold Smeets, Head of Department of ,: [email protected]

Letter selection is scheduled for week 11; you will be notified shortly thereafter. The selection interviews will take place in week 13. Ideally, you will start working for Tilburg University as soon as possible.

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity and sustainably for everyone. For the current and future generation. We develop and share knowledge for the needs of people and our society. This is how we contribute to solving complex societal issues and help society move forward.

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skill, and character. With our education and research for broad prosperity, we put extra effort into themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

About Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST)

The School of Catholic Theology (TST) provides academic education and conducts research in theology with a view to connecting the Catholic tradition with contemporary culture and society. TST has two research Departments: one on Religion in Practice and one on Texts in Contexts. The School is located in Tilburg and Utrecht, and is accredited by the Holy See, allowing it to confer canonical degrees. TST educates students who are not only "religiously literate" but carry their broad personal and academic development into many fields of work. The School is characterized by short lines of communication and an open and cordial atmosphere.

Application code

Tilburg University adheres to the NVP job application code.

Disclaimer

The text in this job posting is the copyright property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further publication of the vacancy without the express permission of Tilburg University is not permitted and this expressly applies to use by recruitment and selection agencies not acting directly on behalf of Tilburg University. Responses to recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg University will not be considered.