About Position/Job
Utrecht University, Netherlands, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (R2) position within Islamic Studies, titled “Beyond Sharia: The Role of Sufism in Shaping Islam.” This project, chaired by Professor Asghar Seyed-Gohrab, explores the emergence, development, and enduring influence of non-conformist and antinomian Sufi movements in Islamic intellectual history from the tenth century to the present day.
The postdoctoral researcher will investigate how Sufism and antinomian mystics reshaped key Islamic concepts such as faith, unbelief, piety, and pilgrimage, particularly across the Persianate world, Anatolia, and neighbouring regions. Drawing on Persian, Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish primary sources, the project examines poetic, philosophical, artistic, and political writings that challenged or redefined Islamic canonical law. The position offers a strong interdisciplinary environment within cultural studies and Islamic intellectual history, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (R2)
- Institution: Utrecht University
- Research Field: Islamic Studies, Cultural Studies
- Project Title: Beyond Sharia: The Role of Sufism in Shaping Islam
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Temporary Postdoctoral Contract
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 March 2026 or shortly thereafter
- Working Hours: 28 hours per week
- Contract Duration: 5 months
- Salary Range: €4,728 gross per month (full-time equivalent, scale 11.0 CAO NU)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Islamic Studies
- Sufism and Islamic Mysticism
- Persianate Intellectual History
- Antinomian and Non-Conformist Islamic Movements
- Pre-Modern and Modern Islamic Thought
- Cultural and Religious Studies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Persian Studies, Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, or a related field
- Proven publication record appropriate to career stage
- Expertise in Persian and Arabic or Ottoman Turkish primary sources
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Islamic intellectual history
- Strong analytical and organisational skills
- Creative and innovative research approach
Key Responsibilities
- Research the reception of antinomian mystics in Anatolia and surrounding regions
- Analyse Persian texts addressing piety, non-conformity, and religious authority
- Contextualise the role of wandering dervishes, including interactions with scholars and society
- Publish research findings and contribute to scholarly debates
- Participate in academic collaboration within the project team
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via AcademicTransfer. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Required Documents (Single PDFs):
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae with publication list and two referees
- One key publication (maximum 20 pages)
Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 20 December 2025
- Deadline: 4 January 2026 (22:59 UTC)
- Interviews: Mid-January 2026 (online)
Employment Benefits
- Temporary contract for five months
- 28-hour working week
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus
- Pension scheme under CAO NU
- Access to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and cultural and sports facilities
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Utrecht University, Netherlands
- Official Job Listing: click here
- Apply now: click here
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