Vacancy: PhD positions in SNSF funded Research project “The Jewish and Christian Samuel” (University of Bern)

The Institute of Historical Theology and the Institute of Jewish Studies at the University of Bern invite applications for four PhD positions funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. These positions are part of the research project “The Jewish and Christian Samuel: Connections, Demarcations, Entanglements,” co-directed by Prof. René Bloch (Jewish Studies) and Prof. Katharina Heyden (Ancient History of Christianity and Interreligious Encounters).

About the Project

The debate between Judaism and Christianity in antiquity was in part an exegetical one: the interpretation of biblical scripture was the arena in which connections and demarcations were drawn, developed, and discussed. This research project explores the intensely debated questions of “shared worlds” and “parting of the ways” between Judaism and Christianity, with a particular emphasis on the exegesis and reception of the Bible in antiquity and the early Middle Ages.

The project focuses on the biblical figure of Samuel, which has received little attention in previous research. Samuel was used as a prism through which social and theological questions of authority were negotiated, such as eligibility for religious office, the summoning of spirits from the dead, or the role of prophecy in both Jewish and Christian sources. The project aims at a double comparison: between different linguistic communities within Judaism and Christianity, and between the two religious traditions.

Positions

The four full-time positions are limited to four years, starting on January 1, 2023, or shortly thereafter. Doctoral students will write their dissertation thesis, attend regular project team meetings, and contribute to activities such as workshops and conferences.

• Position 1, Jewish Studies or Classics: Samuel in Hellenistic Judaism (Greek/Latin)
• Position 2, Jewish Studies or Classics: Samuel in Rabbinic Judaism (Hebrew)
• Position 3, Christian Theology or Classics: Samuel in Greek Christianity (Greek)
• Position 4, Christian Theology or Classics: Samuel in Latin Christianity (Latin)

Requirements

• Hold a MA degree or equivalent in Theology, Jewish Studies, Classics, Interreligious Studies, or History.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge in the respective languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew).

Pay

Salaries range from CHF 47,140 in the first year to CHF 50,040 in the last two years of the doctorate.