Postdoc Position in Philosophy

Radboud University

Employment: 1.0 FTE
Gross monthly salary: €3,546 – €5,538
Required background: PhD
Organizational unit: Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies
Application deadline: 22 March 2026

Your Function

Are you a researcher focused on the Arab world? Join this two-year postdoctoral research project to explore how shifting Arab politics and societies shape 21st-century intellectual life within a dynamic, interdisciplinary international environment.

Arab societies have experienced tremendous upheavals over the past 15 years—from the Arab Spring to wars in Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Gaza. These societal shifts are reflected at the intellectual level, with a younger generation of intellectuals—writers, artists, podcasters, journalists, and academics—seeking to break with pre-2011 debates about balancing Western modernity with cultural authenticity.

The centres of intellectual production are also shifting. Gulf states’ state-sponsored cultural projects attract global academics and artists, while Arab intellectual networks are increasingly transnational. Modern technologies facilitate global conversations among intellectuals across cities like Berlin, Baghdad, and beyond.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Research contemporary Arab thought since 2011 through a lens of your choosing
• Examine broader developments in intellectual, political, and social life
• Cooperate with project coordinator Harald Viersen to publish at least one peer-reviewed article
• Work towards preparing a grant application for more in-depth future study

Candidate Profile

You are a strong candidate if you:

• Hold a PhD in Islamic Studies, Arabic, History, Philosophy, Anthropology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrate a strong interest in contemporary Arab thought
• Possess the methodological and theoretical background to carry out the proposed research
• Have excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic; additional relevant languages are a plus
• Have strong research and analytical skills
• Can work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

What We Offer

• Temporary employment contract of two years
• Salary within scale 10, based on education and relevant experience (38-hour work week)
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Extra annual leave: choose 30 or 41 days (full-time) instead of statutory 20

Additional employment conditions:

• Flexible working hours, leave arrangements, and work-from-home options for work-life balance
• Option to exchange income for extra leave and reimbursement for sports membership
• 34% discount on sports and cultural activities at Radboud University
• Solid pension plan
• Opportunities for training and professional development

Workplace

You will be embedded in:

• Department of Islam, Politics and Society
• Center for Religion and Contemporary Society (CRCS)
• Graduate School of Humanities (GSH)

The department is small but active, organizing regular seminars and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation within and beyond the faculty.

Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies:

• Over 180 staff, 8 academic departments, 4 support departments
• Collaborates across 6 research centres and teaches more than 1,000 students
• Engages with societal challenges through philosophical and religious reflection

Radboud University:

• Conducts groundbreaking research and provides high-quality education
• Supports inclusive and diverse work environment
• Aims to contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities

Application Process

• Apply only via the application button on the vacancy page
• Address your application to Harald Viersen
• Required documents will be specified in the application form

Timeline:

• First interviews: Friday 24 April 2026
• Preferred start date: as soon as possible

Additional notes:

• Internal applicants can consult guidance on internal applications
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated

Contact:
Dr H.J. Viersen (Harald) – harald.viersen [at] ru.nl

Apply