Lecturer History of Esotericism in Western Culture

The Faculty of Humanities of the University of Amsterdam is looking for a lecturer in the field of History of Esotericism in Western Culture. The ideal candidate combines solid knowledge of the historical development of esoteric traditions from antiquity to the present with a special focus on the modern period (19th-21st cent.) and familiarity with method and theory in the study of religion and spirituality.

Join us!

We are looking for a lecturer who is thoroughly familiar with current theoretical and methodological debate in the field of esotericism and in the study of modern religion and spirituality. The courses s/he is expected to teach include a broad historical introduction to esoteric traditions from late antiquity to the present, several more specialized seminars focused on modern and contemporary esotericism, and a course on the study of religious experience. Supervision of bachelor and master theses is a part of the job.

This is what you will be doing

• Teaching developed courses;


• Supervising bachelor and master theses;


• Contributing to the improvement of education and identifying areas for enhancement;


• Making contributions to the development and implementation of improvements in didactics and/or content of the designated curriculum;


• Staying up to date with the professional literature and integrating new research insights in teaching the designated curriculum;

This what we ask of you

• PhD in in Religious Studies or other relevant fields with a particular expertise in the field of esotericism;


• Versatile in the educational program of Religious Studies across various levels;


• A University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If you have not attained a UTQ, as a lecturer at job level 3, you will be given the opportunity to take part in the UTQ programme; 


• Good command of Dutch and English. If you do not speak Dutch, you are expected to  acquire during your time of employment an active and passive command;


• Experience in delivering lectures, leading seminars, and supervising theses;


• Affinity with using ICT in academic education;


• Organizational experience and skills;


• Reliable team player.

This is what we offer you

• We offer a temporary contract for a period of two years, with a probationary period of two months, preferably starting from September 1, 2026;


• Depending on relevant experience, the salary at the start of the employment is between fill in the salary gross per month based on full-time employment for a 38-hour working week. In addition, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable;


• Attaining the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ); 


• Attaining the Dutch as a Second Language programme II; 


• An enthusiastic, inspiring and professional academic team; 


• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

This is where you'll be working

The BA and MA programmes of Religious Studies are part of the Department of History, European Studies,  Religious Studies and Hermetic Philosophy, and Latin American Studies in the Faculty of Humanities at UvA. As Docent in the History of Esotericism in Western Culture you will be part of the group of Hermetic Philosophy. 

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF file. 

The vacancy closes on 12-06-2026. The first round of interviews will take place in ​the last week of June, 2026.

For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at: 

• ​​Prof. dr. D. Slootjes, Head of the Department of History, European Studies, Religious Studies and Hermetic Philosophy, and Latin A


• [email protected]