PhD position “Gendered Exegesis in Augustine’s Preaching: A Critical Examination of His Views o[...]

Karlstad University; Strasbourg; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established academic institution is seeking a passionate PhD researcher to explore Augustine’s views on women through his sermons. This role offers an exciting opportunity to delve into gender studies and theology, providing a platform for critical examination and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will engage in a dynamic research environment, work closely with experts, and contribute to meaningful discussions on contemporary issues related to Christian women. With a competitive salary and opportunities for personal growth, this position is perfect for those eager to make a significant impact in the field of religious studies.

Prestations

Competitive salary

Research and travel budget

Stimulating research environment

Opportunities for personal growth

Limited teaching opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Classics, Theology, History, or related field required.
• Strong knowledge of Latin and proficiency in English and French essential.

Responsabilités

• Conduct research on Augustine’s views on women and their implications.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in various fields.

Connaissances

Latin

English

French

Greek

Digital Humanities

Social Skills

Research Skills

Organizational Skills

Formation

Master Degree in Theology or related field

Description du poste

PhD position “Gendered Exegesis in Augustine’s Preaching: A Critical Examination of His Views on Women”

The Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is internationally recognized for research and teaching quality in many different fields of expertise. Prof. Marie Pauliat (Prof. of Early Christianity, UCLouvain) is looking for a PhD researcher for a research project entitled: “Gendered Exegesis in Augustine’s Preaching: A Critical Examination of His Views on Women”.

Who are the female listeners of Augustine’s preaching, and what does he say to them? How and why does he present female biblical characters as models for women and men? The answers to these research questions are likely to reassess Augustine's views on women through his preaching. Indeed, research into the views of Saint Augustine (354-430) on women criticizes his impact on Western patriarchal society. But it has neglected his about 1000 sermons, even though they reflect a theology in action, inseparable from its contexts and audiences. This project thus lies at the crossroads of two very dynamic fields of research, gender studies and sermon studies. The research combines textual analysis and distant reading. The conclusions will also fit in with contemporary reflections on Christian women.

The PhD position is linked to the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (THER), as well as a pluridisciplinary institute Religions-Spiritualités-Cultures-Sociétés (RCSC).

Research Field Religious sciences » Theology

Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• You hold after February 1, 2023 (or will hold one by the starting date) a Master’s degree in a relevant field, including (but not limited to) Classics & Ancient History, History, Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Oriental Studies.
• You have a very good knowledge of Latin, and the capacity of reading in English and French.
• You have an interest in engaging with other disciplines, in particular (depending on the field of your initial training) theology, philosophy, history, philology, and rhetorics.
• Strong social skills that enable you to work in a team, as well as the necessary skills to work independently (with guidance and mentoring).
• You can present very good study results.
• You are quality-oriented, with integrity, creative and collaborative; you have solid research and organizational skills.
• You take on a limited set of teaching and research support tasks in the Research Unit and Faculty.
• A good knowledge of Greek and the capacity of communicating in English and of reading in Italian and Spanish are an advantage.
• Knowledge of Digital Humanities, or a willingness to acquire this, is an advantage.
• The thesis may be written in French or English, but the usual language of communication at the THER Faculty is French. Capacity of communicating in French or willingness to acquire it is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• The doctoral grant is given for an initial period of two years, starting by the latest October 1st 2025, and is extendable for two additional years following the successful evaluation. The accepted PhD candidate will also be obliged to submit the application for external funding (FNRS) during the initial period of two years.
• A competitive salary around €2000 per month (net salary).
• A possibility of an additional budget to cover research and travel costs.
• A stimulating research environment and the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team involving experts from theology, religious studies, philology, history, philosophy, art, and social sciences.
• Numerous opportunities for personal growth through participation in international conferences, publication of articles, doctoral courses, collaboration with international scholars, etc.
• Possibility of limited teaching (subject to an approval by the Faculty and the research supervisor)

The PhD position is based in Louvain la Neuve (Belgium) and the accepted candidate will be required to move to Belgium and actively participate in the research activities at the Faculty and the research institute.

Selection process

The application can be written in English or in French.

To apply, please send to [e-mail] in one pdf file (entitled PhD-2025-NAME); be sure to use the same title to your email:

• your CV, accompanied by the contact information of 2 academics who could be contacted to support your application (e.g., Master thesis supervisor),
• a motivation letter explaining your interest in the position (1 page max),
• A short proposal (up to 1000 words) containing a brief outline of your proposed contribution to the project (including the topic, its relevance, research question, methodological approach, and preliminary research corpus),
• Sample chapter of the MA thesis or a published article.

The deadline for the application is the 31st of May, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

In the second phase of recruitment, shortlisted candidates will be demanded to send a copy of Bachelor’s and (if applicable) Master’s Degree certificates and transcript of records, and to expand their project (including Preliminary sources; Goals and objectives; Methodology; Research timeline).