Post-doctoral position on the Significance of Bilingual Manuscripts for Detecting Cross-Language Interaction in the New Testament Tradition

The KU Leuven, Belgium, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for up to a 100% post-doctoral position examining bilingual evidence in New Testament manuscripts. The successful candidate will form part of the research team of the European Research Council (ERC) funded Consolidator Grant project “BICROSS – The Significance of Bilingual Manuscripts for Detecting Cross-Language Interaction in the New Testament Tradition”. The project is situated within the Research Unit of Biblical Studies of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (https://theo.kuleuven.be) and the LEMMA research centre (www.lemma-centre.org).
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Responsibilities

BICROSS is an interdisciplinary project linking Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Gothic, Armenian and Arabic philology, New Testament textual criticism, manuscript studies, ancient history and digital humanities. The project investigates bilingual New Testament manuscripts from the 4th century to the 15th century. It aims at establishing the significance of bilingual manuscripts for the formation and transmission of New Testament texts by uncovering mutual exchange and cross-language interaction through a multilingual approach. The project team will assess bilingual manuscripts as artefacts (codicology) and analyse their texts by means of digital tools in order to classify their readings and relationships.

Working as part of a team of researchers, the successful candidate will contribute to the project’s objectives by codicologically and textually analysing bilingual New Testament manuscripts.

The successful candidate will

• collect and process codicological data of New Testament bilingual manuscripts in Greek, Coptic (Sahidic, Bohairic) and preferably also Arabic, including conducting searches in library catalogues and online databases.
• investigate and compare bilingual manuscripts textually, including detailed grammatical analyses (morphology, syntax, semantics).
• establish, compare and investigate significant variant readings and their development across languages.
• digitally transcribe, study and analyse bilingual manuscripts and their text using digital images, databases and electronic transcription tools.

• work both independently and closely with other members of the research team to deliver the project's goals.
• present research results at international and national conferences and colloquia with the expectation of a minimum of two presentations/year, of which at least one outside KU Leuven.
• publish research results at the highest scientific level with the expectation of a minimum of one submitted peer-reviewed article/year.
• participate in the organisation of events, activities and other tasks related to the project and its research (colloquia, team events, visits from external experts etc.) as well as in the context of the LEMMA research centre.

Profile

The successful candidate 

• has completed a PhD in Theology (New Testament Studies or Patristics), Classics, Oriental Studies, Linguistics or a related field.
• has an excellent command of Greek and Coptic and depending on the proposal also in Arabic, to compare bilingual texts on equal footing.
• has significant experience with working in the field of manuscript studies and textual criticism, including codicology, and is familiar with the tedious scrutiny of variant readings. Experience with manuscript databases, digital platforms and tools is desirable.
• is enthusiastic about manuscripts, languages and grammatical analyses. Familiarity with grammar theories, including dependency and valency grammar, is advantageous.
• has an excellent command of English (project language) and sufficient competence in other languages to access relevant secondary literature.
• is hard-working, organised, independent and cooperative.
• is willing to work in Leuven and to travel on project business (incl. conferences), experience with working in collaborative research teams would be advantageous.

Offer

We are offering a full-time position in an intellectually challenging and inspiring environment. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied research. It is highly inter- and multidisciplinary focused and strives for international excellence. 

The successful candidate will be part of an innovative research team in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam. KU Leuven provides practical support with regard to immigration & administration, housing, childcare, learning Dutch, etc. Further information can be obtained on: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/academic-staff/academic-staff-research-education-information#working-conditions

The postdoctoral researcher is scheduled to start as soon as possible. In line with KU Leuven policy, the contract will initially be for 1 year and may be extended. The project team is led by Prof. Christina M. Kreinecker. 

Interested?

Your application should include (and be limited to) the following attachment(s):

• letter of motivation (max. 1 page) including contact details for two people from different institutions who are willing to provide a reference;
• curriculum vitae including details of linguistic skills;
• outline of previous experience in the field of manuscript studies and particular interests in relation to bilingual manuscripts and the profile of this vacancy (max. 2 pages).

For more information please contact Prof. Christina M. Kreinecker, email: christina.kreinecker@kuleuven.be 

Applications for this job are possible until 7th May 2024 via the KU Leuven online application tool. 

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be. 

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.