Postdoc in Debating Political Secularism

Faculty: 

Faculty of Humanities

Department: 

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Hours per week: 

36 to 40

Application deadline: 

30 August 2025

How do diverse voices in the competitive Iranian public political sphere justify secularism as a political ideal? What models of secularism are proposed, and how do they differ in terms of tolerance, neutrality, and civic inclusion? How is argumentation in favor of secularism (not) loaded with political theological meaning? To what extent do public debates (not) exhibit qualities of rational deliberation amid deep political divisions? This postdoc explores Iran's Secular Shift, examining how political secularism is debated on Iranian television, radio, and social media channels.

In this position, you will examine recent and ongoing discussions among Iranian scholars, writers, and activists about the desirability and meaning of future political secularism in Iran. Your research contributes to understanding how ideals of political secularism are publicly justified and contested within authoritarian contexts. You will be expected to:

• engage theoretically with academic debates on political secularism, in particular normative political philosophy on deliberative democracy and political theology;
• map and conduct a discourse analysis of transnational Iranian public political debates on political secularism on television, radio, and social media channels, as well as books, manifestos, charters, and opinion pieces;
• evaluate the deliberative quality of public arguments made for political secularism in Iran, using both critical and constructive argumentation.

As an postdoctoral researcher, you will actively collaborate with the other researchers of the Vidi project based at Utrecht University, present at international academic conferences, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and share research results through academic and public engagement activities. .

You are a motivated qualitative researcher eager to contribute to an interdisciplinary project and collaborate with colleagues working on quantitative (survey) and qualitative (visual culture) approaches. You have a strong interest in non-religion, atheism, and secularism, and particularly in normative debates on political secularism and the philosophical quality of public political deliberation in Iran. Ideally, you:

• have a PhD degree and expertise in a relevant field (including but not limited to Philosophy, Media Studies, Iranian Studies, and Secular Studies);
• have experience in qualitative research methods, in particular digital media studies and analysis of television and/or radio;
• have strong academic writing and analytical skills, demonstrated by publications;
• have excellent proficiency in Persian and English, and possibly other relevant Iranian languages.

Given the sensitivity of the research and the associated security risks, candidates should be aware that participation in this project entails significant personal safety concerns when travelling to Iran. For their own protection and to safeguard the integrity of the research, researchers must refrain from travelling to Iran during and after the project. Anyone considering this position should understand that taking part may have long-term implications for their ability to visit Iran safely.

• A temporary position for 24 months;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,537 and €6,209 (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment
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 laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development
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, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities
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, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University
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.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University
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, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes
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. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow
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.

The Faculty of Humanities
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has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located
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, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

More information

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Pooyan Tamimi Arab
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at p.tamimiarab@uu.nl .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home
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 for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply the following via the 'apply now' button:

• your curriculum vitae;
• the names of two academic references;
• a letter of motivation;
• a two-page research proposal, excluding references;
• a writing sample.

The application deadline is 30 August 2025.