Employment Details

Employment: 0.8–1.0 FTE

Gross Monthly Salary: €3,059–€3,881

Required Background: Research University Degree

Organizational Unit: Faculty of Arts

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

About the Position

The Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH) is a research institute dedicated to exploring the present and the past through the lenses of culture, history, literature, and art.

Would you like to research understandings of the dynamics of an interconnected world in relation to issues such as Europe’s difficult heritage, contested pasts, inequalities, and sustainability? If so, then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate at the Radboud Institute for Culture & History.

As a PhD candidate, you will participate in the Graduate School for the Humanities. As part of this position, you will write a PhD dissertation (thesis) and provide your services to the Faculty of Arts at Radboud University for a period of six months.

As this position is embedded in the Radboud Institute for Culture & History, your dissertation (thesis) should align with one of the research groups within the institute. Descriptions of these research groups can be found on the RICH website.

As a PhD candidate at RICH:

• 75% of your time will be devoted to research and writing your PhD thesis.
• 25% of your time will be dedicated to training and academic service to the Faculty of Arts, including teaching.

Employee Experience

Mustafa Akpinar

PhD Candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and Lecturer in Communication Science

"A PhD track at Radboud University gives you room to follow your own interests and ambitions."

Mustafa Akpinar is a PhD candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and a lecturer in Communication Science.

He explains:

"While studying at Radboud University, I was already teaching statistics. It started as just a side job, but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn. After graduating, I began working as a lecturer and researcher at a university of applied sciences. Still, that one dream kept nagging at me: pursuing a PhD.

The thing is, most PhD programmes focus heavily on research, and teaching often comes second. I wanted to do both. Then a colleague pointed me to a PhD vacancy where research and teaching were given equal weight. I instantly knew: this is my chance. I really appreciate that Radboud University offers different types of PhD tracks. That way, there's room for a range of ambitions.

Now, I study the relationship between culture and health communication, specifically within Turkish-Dutch communities. I mainly teach statistics and also coordinate a learning project on cultural communication practices. I can bring my own background into my teaching, as I’m a second-generation Turkish-Dutch person myself.

What I also value is how Radboud University is becoming increasingly inclusive. For example, there was a lot of attention for Ramadan. We even celebrated Eid with colleagues! Things like that truly make a difference.

I'm also a father, combining work with family life. That takes good planning. Fortunately, at Radboud University, I have the flexibility to shape my work in a way that fits my life. My supervisors trust that I’ll get my work done, even if I have to take my child to swimming lessons in the afternoon. That freedom gives me peace of mind."

Does This Sound Like You?

You should:

• Hold a Master’s degree in one of the disciplines related to RICH, or expect to complete the degree no later than 15 September 2026.
• Be results-oriented.
• Have a good command of English.
• Possess strong academic writing skills.
• Demonstrate research experience (for example through a research assistantship), which will be considered an advantage.

What We Offer You

• A temporary employment contract:
  • 0.8 FTE: 5-year PhD contract.
  • 1.0 FTE: 4-year PhD contract.
• The initial appointment is 1.5 years. After a positive performance evaluation, the contract will be extended:A starting gross monthly salary of €3,059 (based on a 38-hour working week), increasing to €3,881 from the fourth year onwards (Salary Scale P).
  • By 2.5 years for the 4-year trajectory.
  • By 3.5 years for the 5-year trajectory.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Extra annual leave. With full-time employment, you may choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20 days.

Additional Employment Conditions

Radboud University promotes healthy employment practices and a good work-life balance.

Employment benefits include:

• Flexible working hours.
• Various leave arrangements.
• Opportunities for working from home.
• The option to customize part of your employment conditions.
• The possibility to exchange income for additional leave days.
• Reimbursement for sports membership.
• 34% discount on sports and cultural activities at Radboud University.
• A good pension scheme.
• Extensive opportunities for training and professional development.
• Plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realize your ambitions.

Where You Will Be Working

Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is committed to developing knowledge with strong scientific and societal impact.

The faculty:

• Employs more than 500 academic and support staff.
• Conducts research and education in:Uses innovative methodologies.
  • Art.
  • History.
  • Language.
  • Culture.
  • Communication.
• Collaborates closely across disciplines.

Research is organized within two research institutes:

• Centre for Language Studies (CLS).
• Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH).

Approximately 2,500 students are enrolled across three departments:

• Department of History, Art History and Classics.
• Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.
• Department of Language and Communication.

The faculty is known for its pleasant and open culture and offers many opportunities for professional development.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, the goal is to make an impact through:

• Groundbreaking research.
• High-quality education.
• Excellent support services.
• Collaborations within and beyond the university.

The university strives to contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for everyone.

Radboud University welcomes colleagues from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives and is committed to building an inclusive community.

Is This the Job for You?

Applications can only be submitted via the online application system.

Please address your letter of application to:

Suzanne van de Liefvoort

The application form specifies which documents must be included with your application.

Recruitment Timeline

• Application deadline: 15 September 2026
• First interviews: Monday, 9 November 2026
• Preferred starting date: 1 February 2027

The university provides information about:

• The application procedure.
• Handling of personal data.
• Internal and external candidates.
• Information for applicants with a non-EU nationality applying for non-scientific positions.
• Internal applications for current Radboud University employees.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Contact

Dr. S.J.A.G. (Suzanne) van de Liefvoort

Email: suzanne.vandeliefvoort [at] ru.nl