PhD: The Art of Dying in Islamic Traditions (600-1800)

Passionate about Islamic history? Join VU Amsterdam as a PhD candidate in The Art of Dying in Islamic Traditions (600–1800). Explore the history of the Islamic deathbed and work closely with a dynamic, collaborative research team.

The School of Religion and Theology in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam seeks to hire a PhD student. The position is part of the NWO-funded Vidi project The Art of Dying in Islamic Traditions (600–1800). This five-year project (July 2026–June 2031), led by dr. Pieter Coppens, investigates how Muslims have historically envisioned the good death, which bodily, sensory, and emotional norms were at play, and which legal and ethical concerns they had. It seeks to show when and how these norms and concerns have changed throughout the centuries among religious exemplary figures, rulers, and common people.

This PhD position specifically focuses on the death of rulers. It collects and analyzes deathbed stories of Caliphs, Sultans, kings, governors, and the aristocracy of Islamic societies. It identifies major changes throughout the centuries in the distinct ethic and praxis of dying of these rulers, based on, for example, biographical dictionaries, chronicles, mirrors for princes, works of etiquette (adab), and court poetry.

Your function

General tasks and responsibilities for the PhD position:

• Write a PhD dissertation (in English) on the topic of the death of rulers in Islamic history
• Publish research results in the form of an article or book chapter
• Present academic papers at conferences, both national and international, and participate in research seminars
• Help organize expert meetings and an edited volume within the context of the research project

Your profile

General requirements for the PhD position:

• An MA or equivalent degree in Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, History, or cognate disciplines
• Knowledge of at least one primary Islamicate language, preferably classical Arabic, though Persian or Ottoman will also be considered depending on the candidate’s research idea
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) as well as the ability to work with secondary literature in modern European languages
• Experience and affinity with digital methods, sensory history, and history of emotions are commendable
• Ability to work independently and willingness to work in a research team, with good organizational and social skills

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world.

• An employment contract of initially 18 months. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• Solid pension scheme (ABP)
• Contribution to commuting expenses
• Optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The starting date of the contract will be January 1, 2027.

About us

School of Religion and Theology

The School of Religion and Theology at VU Amsterdam is the leading centre of expertise for the study of religion in society in the Netherlands. Students, lecturers and researchers are critically engaged with major religious and societal themes relevant for today, from holy scripture and pastoral care to peace studies and contemporary spirituality. The school brings together ten seminaries that encompass all world religions and many Christian denominations. Together, colleagues explore issues of faith and belief in an open intellectual environment.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities aims to deepen understanding of ourselves and social communities, values and meaning through social sciences and humanities. Its disciplines are characterised by an open way of thinking and a strong drive to seek coherence and connection. The faculty consists of nine academic departments within three schools: School of Religion & Theology (SRT), School of Social Sciences (SSc), and School of Humanities (SH).

By joining Social Sciences and Humanities, you become part of a dynamic academic community with approximately 900 staff members, over 5,000 regular students and more than 5,000 course participants. In an inspiring and collegial environment, colleagues work together on education and research with impact.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. It brings together open-minded experts who work across disciplinary boundaries towards a better world and on sustainable solutions with social impact, while fostering a safe and respectful working and study climate and an inspiring environment for education and research.