Following a grant of the Fund of Scientific Research Belgium the Faculty of Theology of the K.U. Leuven invites applications for a full-time position as researcher in the field of History of Church and Theology in Late Antiquity. The position is tenable for four years (2007-2011) with a possibility to work towards a Ph.D. degree. Postdoctoral candidates may also apply.

The successful candidate will have a solid competence in Christianity in Late Antiquity, including a basic knowledge of the Roman Empire in its political, social, economic and institutional aspects. An openness for theological and historical inter-disciplinarity and a solid knowledge of Latin and Greek are essential, a thorough acquaintance with literary sources and a varied historical methodology a significant bonus, previous research experience with the project´s topic a possibly decisive factor for getting the job. Primarily we look for candidates with a relevant background at MA-level in theology, ancient history or religious studies but candidates with an excellent degree in related disciplines are also invited to apply.

The project for which we seek a collaborator deals with Episcopal succession between 300-600 AD. The aim is to study the variety of factors that influenced the process of selecting a candidate for a vacant episcopal see. The focus is primarily on the large synthesis, rather than on the close analysis of already well-studied individual examples. The job content is varied: doing research within the context of the project, initiating and maintaining contacts with an international network of researchers, book-editing, organising a conference. In an advanced stage of the project the successful candidate may also be asked to teach a research-related module in a course for advanced students.

The net salary will be around 1500 Euro/month. Social benefits and health insurance are also provided for. We offer the opportunity to work in an enthusiast team on an exciting, ambitious project. With the two co-promotors having positions in Erfurt (Germany) and Exeter (UK) the project is situated in an international context. The hired candidate, however, will be working in Leuven, in the context of a dynamic, internationally-oriented theological faculty with unrivalled library-resources.
For more information on the Faculty of Theology, its research and its Programs in English, see the website at http://www.theo.kuleuven.ac.be/en/

Deadline of application: 1 October 2006
Starting date: preferably 1 January 2007 or as soon thereafter as possible
Interested candidates may informally contact the promoters of the project via email HYPERLINKjohan.leemans@theo.kuleuven.ac.be or email: P.E.R.Van-Nuffelen@exeter.ac.uk

or
immediately send a letter explaining their motivation, a current curriculum vitae (+ publication list and/or other relevant materials if applicable), a writing sample and two letters of recommendation to the main promoter:
Prof. Dr. Boudewijn Dehandschutter
Faculty of Theology
St. Michielsstraat 6
3000 Leuven
BELGIUM