PhD Scholarship in Biblical Studies and Ancient Judaism

The Biblical Studies Section of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Copenhagen is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship commencing 1 February 2023.

Motivated and committed candidates with experience in Biblical Studies, Semitic Studies, and/or Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology are invited to apply.

Project description
The PhD is part of the research project “Divergent Views of Diaspora in Ancient Judaism” (2022-2026), funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and its Sapere Aude programme. Applying newly developed theory from Diaspora Studies, the project investigates the earliest stage of the Jewish diaspora (597-331 BCE). A great variety of imaginative reflections in biblical texts and basic information in historical records suggests that there were a number of different attitudes to living abroad.

A key goal of the project is to identity and map all textual depictions in the Hebrew Bible (Ezra-Nehemiah, prophetic texts, diaspora stories) along with archival sources from Egypt (the Elephantine Papyri) and Babylonia (e.g. the Al-Yahudu documents). Four sub-projects, one of which will be conducted by the PhD student, focus on distinct, yet interrelated topics: Generational consciousness abroad; the issue of return; interaction with host authorities; and religious identity and practices in new cultural contexts.

The research team comprises the PI, two postdocs, a PhD fellow, and a student secretary.

For more information on the project “Divergent Views of Diaspora in Ancient Judaism”, see: https://dff.dk/en/grants/research-leaders-2021/researchleader-15?set_language=en

Job description
The PhD student will partake in the common endeavour of the research team, contributing, by way of discussions and input, to central parts of the project. This includes participation in various seminars, workshops, and international conferences. The PhD student will be responsible for completing a PhD thesis based on one of the four sub-projects of the project.

Your key tasks are:

- Plan and execute independent research under supervision

- Complete PhD courses or equivalent education corresponding to 30 ECTS points

- Minor teaching tasks and/or tasks related to research and organization

- Disseminate your research orally and in writing

- Write a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Supervision
Principal supervisor is the PI, Associate Professor Frederik Poulsen, Biblical Studies Section, Faculty of Theology, email: [email protected] .

Place of employment and the PhD school
The place of employment will be the Biblical Studies Section at the Faculty of Theology. We offer stimulating working conditions in a dynamic research environment.

The PhD programme provides PhD students with strong research training which opens up a window of opportunity to a variety of careers within the private and public sectors. The programme includes the drafting of a PhD thesis, active participation in research networks, PhD courses, teaching, and other forms of knowledge dissemination.

PhD students are paid a salary in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The PhD student has a work obligation of up to 840 hours over the 3 year period of time without additional pay. The work obligation can include for instance teaching. The scholarship holder must also be prepared to take an active part in the Faculty’s research environment.

Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must have a Master’s degree in Theology, Biblical Studies, Semitic Studies, Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology, or any other relevant Master’s degree or similar qualifications. Reading skills in ancient Hebrew is a requirement. Previous experience in working with Aramaic and/or Akkadian texts will be an advantage.

Besides attention to motivation and the scientific quality of the proposed PhD project, the assessment will put emphasis on the talent for independent research demonstrated by the applicant usually through a Master’s thesis or similar.

All applicants are expected to be able to use English as a working language (written or spoken).

Duties and Responsibilities

Further information about the PhD programme is available on our website: https://teol.ku.dk/english/research/phd_programme/

The Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD programme at the Universities can be found here: https://teol.ku.dk/english/research/phd_programme/hoejreboks/documents/ministerial_order

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the research strategy and the ongoing research at the Faculty before submitting their application. Further information can be found here:

https://teol.ku.dk/english/research/research-strategy-2020-2023/

How to apply

The application must be made on a special form (see link at bottom of page). The application must be accompanied by the following appendices (scanned electronically):

- Motivated letter of application (max. 2 pages), including a proposal for a research project within one of the four sub-projects (Generations; Return; Host authorities; and Religion).

- A short CV, including information about education, language skills, and others skills relevant for the position. Please include a photo

- Documentation for the Master’s degree

- One or two reference letters

If available, the following documents should also be submitted as appendices:

- Master’s thesis

- Master’s thesis assessment

- List of publications

Application and documentation can be submitted either in Danish or in English. 

The University of Copenhagen wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications for the scholarship from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

The recruitment process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk  

The Ministerial Order on PhD degrees and other relevant documents can be downloaded from the faculty homepage at: https://www.teol.ku.dk/  or by contacting  the Faculty of Theology, Karen Blixens Plads 16, 2300 Copenhagen S.

International applicant?
The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: https://ism.ku.dk/

Contact information

Information about the recruitment process is available from HR South and City Campuses, HRSC, email: [email protected] . Please refer to advertisement: 211-1164/22-2H.

If you have questions concerning the PhD scholarship please contact Head of the PhD school Carsten Pallesen, [email protected] .

For further information about the project, please contact Principal Investigator Frederik Poulsen, [email protected] .

The closing date for applications is 1 October 2022 at 23:59 CET

Applications received after the deadline will not be taken into account. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.