Job opening: Post-doctoral researcher for the Department of Texts in Contexts

Tilburg University | School of Catholic Theology

is looking for a

Post-doctoral researcher for the Department of Texts in Contexts

Department: Texts in Contexts

Location: Tilburg or Utrecht

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

Full-time gross monthly salary: €4,075 - €6,433

Contract duration: 12 months with a view to an extension of 24 months

Desired start date: as soon as possible

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.

Your Profile

The post-doctoral researcher

• 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 temporary contract for the duration of 12 months, with prospects of an extension of another 24 months. The total duration will be a maximum of 36 months.


• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.


• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.


• Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month).


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


• Options Model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle, or personal training.


• Moving allowance (subject to conditions).


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


• Pension through ABP.


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


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


• A green, inviting campus in Tilburg, which is easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Arnold Smeets, Head of Department of Texts in Contexts, via: [email protected].

We invite you to apply for this position before March 9, 2026. This can only be done online.

Please address your cover letter to Dr. mult. Krijn Pansters, chair of the Selection Committee and add a Curriculum Vitae, two relevant scientific contributions (no monographs), and a research plan of one A4 maximum, in which you clarify how you will contribute to the research agenda of Texts in Contexts: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/nl/onderzoek/theologie/onderzoeksprogramma/texts-contexts  

The letter selection will take place in week 11. You will receive notification from us shortly thereafter. The first interviews will be scheduled in week 13. You will ideally start working for Tilburg University as soon as possible.

In the case of equal qualifications and suitability, preference will be given to a female candidate, in light of the current composition of the team. Also see our similar vacancy at our other department, Religion and Practice.

On Tilburg University

Tilburg University is a Catholic University in the Netherlands with five Schools. At Tilburg University, the social sciences and humanities hold a central position. In its teaching and research, our university actively seeks to engage with society, with citizens and civil society organizations. 'Understanding Society' is our motto. Internationally, Tilburg University has a strong reputation in academic education and research and fosters interdisciplinary research, with a particular emphasis on the theme of 'broad prosperity'.

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. Read more about Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Application Code
Tilburg University applies the NVP application code (in Dutch) of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development.

Disclaimer

The text in this job vacancy is copyrighted 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.