Postdoc Position in Sociology/Anthropology: Muslim Users and Halal Dating Platforms - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

1. Introduction

Are you interested in the intersection of digital technology, religion and social behaviour? Do you want to contribute to a pioneering research project on how Muslim users navigate digital dating platforms while balancing faith-based values and modern courtship practices? As a Postdoc, you will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on digital religion and algorithmic matchmaking, exploring how halal dating apps shape romantic interactions in contemporary society.

2. Job description

By joining this project, you will be part of a vibrant academic environment within the Radboud Social Cultural Research institute (RSCR), where scholars work at the intersection of sociology, media studies, religious studies, and anthropology. Your research will generate new insights into digital courtship among Muslim communities in the Netherlands while contributing to broader discussions on religion, technology and emotional labour in digital spaces.

This postdoctoral position is part of the NWO-funded project ’Faith Meets Swipe: Exploring Islamic Courtship on Halal Dating Apps’. The project investigates how Muslim users in the Netherlands engage with halal dating apps such as Muzz and Salams, navigating the tensions between faith-based values and algorithmic matchmaking in commodified digital environments. While online dating is often framed within Western-secular paradigms, this research examines how religious users adapt, negotiate and challenge digital dating norms.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

• Conduct digital ethnography, analysing app functionalities, algorithmic processes and user interactions.
• Lead semi-structured interviews with Muslim users in the Netherlands to explore their experiences on halal dating apps.
• Analyse qualitative data and contribute to theoretical discussions on digital religion, emotional labour and commodification.
• Write and submit a research article based on the project’s findings.
• Engage in academic discussions, conferences and potential outreach activities related to the research topic. 

3. Profile

• You have a PhD (or are close to completion) in Sociology, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Media Studies, or a related discipline.
• You have expertise in qualitative research methods, particularly digital ethnography and interviews.
• You have a strong research background in digital cultures, cultural sociology, religion, and/or Islamic studies.
• You have experience conducting fieldwork or working with Muslim communities (preferred).
• You are proficient in English; knowledge of Dutch and/or Arabic is an advantage.
• You can work independently while contributing to collaborative research discussions.
• You have strong academic writing skills and a motivation to publish in international journals.
• You are enthusiastic about engaging with interdisciplinary research networks and presenting findings at conferences. 

4. We are

You will be working at the Radboud Social Cultural Research Institute (RSCR), a leading research institute that brings together scholars from sociology, gender and diversity studies, anthropology, and development studies. RSCR provides a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, offering strong support for early-career researchers.

As part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Radboud University, you will have access to expert mentorship, research facilities and funding opportunities for academic development. Our team values diversity and inclusion, fostering a collaborative environment where scholars from different backgrounds contribute to innovative research.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 6 months (1.0 fte) or 1 year (0.5 fte).
• Your salary within salary scale 11, step 0 is fixed. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week. If you have not yet had your dissertation approved, you will start on scale 10, step 3. The moment your dissertation is approved, you will be placed in scale 11, step 0.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Francesco Cerchiaro. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on 8, 9 or 10 April. You will preferably start your employment on 1 June 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.