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Lecturer History of Esotericism in Western Culture

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 15119
  • PhD
  • €4,728 - €6,433
  • Closes on
    12-06-2026
Apply

Lecturer History of Esotericism in Western Culture

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • 15119
  • PhD
  • €4,728 - €6,433
  • Closes on
    12-06-2026
Apply

Working at the UvA

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.

Working at the UvA

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.

All about this vacancy

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.

All about this vacancy

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.

Your place at the UvA

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. 

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

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. 

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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]
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

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]
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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