Thursday, July 28, 2011

PhD Position in either Patristic, Early Christian or Late Antique studies f/m


The Faculty of Theology of VU University Amsterdam is a dynamic, ecumenical faculty where people from diverse religious traditions devote themselves to teaching, research, and social service. The Faculty ties its special character to openness and hospitality. The bond with its own Protestant tradition becomes evident in the cooperation with the representatives from other traditions. The goal of the Faculty is to make a contribution to city, country, and world by providing sound academic instruction and by doing solid scholarly research in an international, multireligious setting. 

A PhD position in the fields mentioned above is available for commencement at the Faculty of Theology of VU University Amsterdam. The starting date is September 2011, or soon thereafter. 

The PhD-student will work under the daily supervision of Dr. Hagit Amirav, Director, ERC Project on Patristic Exegesis, with Prof. Paul van Geest, Director, Interuniversity Centre for Patristic Research (CPO). The PhD-student will be associated with the Faculty of Theology at VU University Amsterdam, and CPO, an institution set up in collaboration with three Dutch universities : Tilburg, VU Amsterdam, and Leiden, home to a lively community of researchers and scholars working on early Christian studies and adjacent areas (www.patristiek.nl).

Tasks
The job involves completing research on a topic which will be decided upon in consultation with the candidate, and producing a publishable PhD-thesis, written in English, within the designated time frame of four years since the starting date.

Requirements
The candidate should have the following qualifications :
M.A. or equivalent in Patristic Studies or related fields, such as Late Antiquity, New testament, or Early Christianity ;
Knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek ;
the candidate should meet the criteria set by the Faculty for admission into its PhD programme; 
good ability to write and read English.

Further particulars
The initial appointment will be for a period of one year. After satisfactory progress, which will be assessed periodically, and satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of four years on a full time basis.
You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like;
Remuneration of 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge;
a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment; 
generous contribution (70%) commuting allowance based on public transport.

Salary
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personel, range from a minimum of 2.042 euros, - gross per month up to a maximum of 2.612 euros, - gross per month based on a fulltime employment.

Information
For additional information please contact: Dr. Hagit Amirav, University Lecturer in Early Christian Studies, Director, ERC Project on Patristic Studies
Phone number +31 (0)20 59 86638
E-mail: H.Amirav@vu.nl Dr. Amirav will be available in Oxford from July 24 to August 11, to meet potential candidates.

Application
Applicants are requested to write a letter in which they describe their abilities and motivation, accompanied by curriculum vitae, certified copies of relevant university degrees, three reference letters, a sample of written work, and an outline of a thesis proposal (maximum four A4 sheets). Written applications should be sent before September 20, 2011 (or until a suitable candidate is found and appointed) to:
VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Theology
Attn.: Drs. J.I. Schut, Director of Operations
De Boelelaan, 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It is also possible to apply by e-mail to: secretaresse.thw@vu.nl

Please mention the vacancy number (1.2011.00162) in the e-mail headeror at the top of your letter and on the envelope.