Within the Research Training Group 2304 “Byzantium and the Euro-Mediterranean Cultures of War. Exchange, Differentiation and Reception”, which is financed by the DFG (German Research Foundation), there is at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

1 position for doctoral research associate (pay scale TV-L13, 2/3 FTE) in Ancient Church History / Theology
to be filled by 1st April 2022 for a contract period of three years.

The successful applicant will be required to write a PhD thesis examining the influence of Christian religion and theology on the broad topic of cultures of war in Late Antiquity and the Early Byzantine period. For example, one might think of the reception of relevant biblical texts or martial figures, cult and piety (especially the veneration of saints) in a warlike context, religious (soteriological) interpretations of war and peace or victory and defeat, the view of the enemy, the significance of war metaphors or the physical handling of prisoners and other war victims. Further suitable subjects are listed on the Research Training Group’s homepage [https://grk-byzanz-kriegskulturen.uni-mainz.de/]. Supervisor and point of contact: Prof. Heike Grieser (Ancient Church History and Theology).
The project is part of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2304 “Byzantium and the Euromediterranean Cultures of War”. Participating in this Research Training Group are the disciplines of Ancient History, Ancient Church History/Theology, Byzantine Studies, Medieval History, Eastern European History, Early Modern Church History, Classical Archaeology, Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art History, Early and Prehistorical Archaeology (with a focus on Medieval Archaeology) and Musicology. A thorough description of the research program and the emphases of the participating disciplines is available on the homepage [https://grk-byzanz-wars.uni-mainz.de/].

Upon acceptance the graduate students are to participate in a structured doctoral program at the JGU Mainz, for which residence in Mainz is required. The Research Training Group offers intensive specialized and interdisciplinary exchange, cross-disciplinary doctoral supervision by two professors from amongst the participating scholars, praxis-oriented courses directed at public engagement (including through museums), a comprehensive range of key qualifications (e.g. from the sphere of Digital Humanities) and diverse opportunities for international networking.

Requirements for the application include a degree (Magister, M.A. or the equivalent) completed with above-average marks in a participating or related field as well as openness to interdisciplinary work.

The following application materials are to be submitted electronically in a single .pdf (in German or English):
- A letter of application (one page)
- An outline of the planned dissertation project (two pages)
- A curriculum vitae with list of publications (if applicable), degree diplomas, certificates of scholarly activities
- Master’s Thesis (or equivalent)
The Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz is keen on increasing the proportion of women within the sphere of scholarship and therefore especially welcomes applications from female researchers. Disabled persons will be given preference if equally qualified.
For subject-related questions please direct your queries to Prof. Dr. Heike Grieser, other questions to the Spokesperson.
The application deadline ends by 3rd January 2022.

The application materials along with two letters of recommendation from university-level instructors, who should submit their letters separately, are to be addressed to the Spokesperson of the Research Training Group, Prof. Dr. Johannes Pahlitzsch, (address: grk2304@uni-mainz.de; subject-line: grk2304_Last Name).