Postdoc: 'Beyond Sharia: The Role of Sufism in Shaping Islam'
In this postdoctoral position, you investigatee the role of antinomic mystics and how different movements within Sufism have shaped Islam, critically examining key concepts such as faith, unbelief, pilgrimage and piety.
Your job
The project 'Beyond Sharia: The Role of Sufism in Shaping Islam' (chaired by Professor Asghar Seyed-Gohrab) examines the emergence, flourishing and lasting appeal of non-conformist movements in Islamic intellectual history from the tenth century to the present day, investigating how Islamic antinomian movements consolidated Islam in a vast region from the Balkans to Bengal, while offering methods of self-reflection that allowed for critical thinking within Islamic streams of thought. By examining how generations of Islamic mystics and intellectuals in the Persianate world challenged, redefined or rejected Islamic canonical law in their poetic, artistic, philosophical and political writings and teachings, this project generates significant new insights into transgression in Islam.
As a postdoctoral researcher:
- you conduct research into the reception of Antinomian mystics in Anatolia and the wider areas;
- you analyse several key Persian texts, which depict how piety was defined and how nonconformist mystics challenged the authority of Islamic religious scholars;
- you contextualise the work of wandering dervishes in Anatolia, including their relationships with ordinary people, their responses to institutionalized Sufi orders, and their responses to urban Muslim scholars
Your qualities
- A PhD degree in Persian Studies, Islamic Studies or Religious Studies by the time of appointment;
- a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognised as contributing to the field;
- the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with good organisational and communication skills;
- creativity and innovative in your work;
- expertise in working with Persian and Arabic or Ottoman Turkish primary sources;
- proficiency in spoken and written English.
Our offer
- A temporary employment contract for a period of five months;
- a working week of 28 hours;
- a gross monthly salary of €4,728 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11.0 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
The Faculty of Humanities 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, contribute to an inspiring working environment.
More information
For more information about the project or the requirements for application, please contact Professor Asghar Seyed-Gohrab at a.a.seyed-gohrab@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home 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.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send the following documents, as single PDFs, via the ‘apply now’ button:
- a brief motivation letter explaining what interests you about this position, how your background prepares you for it, and any other information about your circumstances relevant to assessing your suitability for the position;
- your curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications, please include the names and contact details of two referees whom we may contact at the end;
- a relevant key publication (max. 20 pages – you may also include selections from larger work).
Letters of recommendation do not need to be submitted at this time.
Interviews will be scheduled to take place mid-January 2026 and are likely to be conducted online. The starting date of the position is 1 March 2026 or shortly thereafter.
The application deadline is 4 January 2026.
