UiB Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Study of Religion

The Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Study of Religion for a research project on strong individual commitment in ancient Rabbinic Judaism, commencing 01.01.2027, or earlier, as agreed upon. The position is for a fixed-term period of three years.

The position is earmarked for research on ancient Rabbinic literature from the 2nd – 7th century CE.

This is the second of three postdoctoral positions advertised connected to the RADHEART project. This postdoctoral position forms a part of the NARRATIVE work-package. The successful applicant will become part of a large and dynamic research environment focused on the ancient world at the department, and a closely collaborating research group that works on individual commitment in radical ancient religion. The successful applicant will get the chance to interact with top scholars in the field and travel on conferences and research stays.

About the RADHEART Project

RADHEART: Radical Habits of the Heart: Emotions, Embodiment, and Strong, Individual Commitment in Ancient Religions, an ERC Consolidator Grant led by Laura Feldt. 

The project focuses on the role of emotions and embodiment in strong, individual commitment in the ancient world and analyses how emotionally intense, strong religious commitments (i.e., radical habits of the heart) are expressed and cultivated in Jewish and Christian formative traditions across the three axes of textuality, mediality, and practice from the 6th century BC until the 7th century CE. The project advances an innovative theoretical framework that combines the aesthetics of religion, experience-oriented anthropology, and forward-oriented philology.

Work tasks

The postdoctoral fellow will work both independently and in a research team. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop and execute their own research project on ancient Jewish, Rabbinic texts in ways that contribute to the overall research project. This involves engaging with the project’s hypotheses, concepts, theoretical framework and methods, and contributing to achieving the project’s goals and ensuring its outcomes. 

The postdoctoral fellow will publish scientific works, present research at scientific conferences and give talks to the general public. It is expected that the postdoc will contribute to planning project workshops, conferences, and other events; carry out research on specific case studies and work with the project team to develop the project further; participate in writing retreats and social events;, contribute to organizing tasks; and otherwise collaborate with the PI Laura Feldt, including co-editing a scholarly anthology of relevance to their own project.

About the position of postdoctoral research fellow

The postdoctoral position aims to enable the appointed candidate to develop a research profile and competencies that qualify them to apply for a position as associate professor. 

The successful applicant must, in collaboration with the department, prepare a career plan that specifies the competencies the postdoctoral fellow is expected to acquire. The duration of the postdoctoral position is three years.

Qualifications and personal qualities

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent foreign degree in the study of religion/history of religion/religious studies or a closely related and relevant research field. The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation within the closing date of application, and the PhD degree must be obtained prior to appointment. 
• The applicant must demonstrate competence in ancient Jewish studies and possess relevant philological proficiency (Rabbinic Hebrew/Aramaic from the relevant period), as well as a documented interest in the general, comparative study of religion. Competence in the study of religion will be considered an advantage, documented through e.g. publications, teaching experience or coursework.
• The applicant must be able to work independently in a well-structured manner and have strong cooperation skills.
• The applicant must be proficient in both written and oral English. 

The applicant must provide a project proposal that relates to the RADHEART project description (which can be obtained by contacting PI Laura Feldt via email: laura.feldt@uib.no) along with a progress plan for the postdoctoral project’s main activities, and a plan for publishing results in recognized and international channels.

In assessing the applications, the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed project and the academic qualifications of the candidate will be considered. Further emphasis is placed on strategic considerations, motivation, and the applicant's personal eligibility.

We can offer

• A stimulating and professionally challenging work environment.
• Opportunities to build strong professional networks.
• A secure and flexible working environment with good welfare benefits.
• A gross annual salary of NOK 657 000 for a full-time position (code 1352). Further salary increases will be based on seniority in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which provides a secure occupational pension scheme, disability and survivor benefits, as well as access to favourable housing loans.

How to apply for the job

Applications must be submitted electronically via the link “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” on this page. Follow the steps in the application process and include the following:

• Under “Application text”: Write a cover letter (about 5000-7000 characters) describing your general research interests, expertise and motivation, and how these make you a good fit for this position.
• Under “CV”, include: 
  • Personal details. 
  • Relevant experience and qualifications (complete the sections applicable to you). A list of publications/scientific works may be uploaded as a separate document if preferred.
  • Language skills.
  • At least two referees, one of whom must be the main supervisor of your doctoral dissertation.
• Under “Attachments”, upload the following as separate documents: 
  • A project proposal for the postdoctoral research project of up to 12.000 characters including spaces (excluding bibliography). The project proposal must describe the proposed research project, the research questions, the research background, theoretical framework, methodology and ethical considerations. It should also specify the empirical material to be used. A bibliography, progress plan and a plan for publication in internationally recognized channels must be included.
  • Transcripts and diplomas for the bachelor's and master's degrees, preferably uploaded from Vitnemålsportalen. If unavailable, please upload as regular files.
  • Documentation confirming that the doctoral thesis has been submitted for assessment.  
  • A short summary of the PhD thesis (up to three pages).
  • A complete list of any scientific work (publication list). 
  • Up to five academic works (may include theses, monographs and articles) that are to be given special consideration in the assessment of academic qualifications.  
  • Relevant certificates/references, including documentation of the applicant's expertise in ancient Rabbinic Judaism and relevant philological proficiency.

The application and attachments must be in Norwegian, another Scandinavian language or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified translations. Please ensure that all attachments are in either Word or PDF format and are uploaded to Jobbnorge within the application deadline.

In certain cases, the evaluation committee may ask for further documentation.

Shortlisted candidates will be called in to an interview.

For further information about the appointment process, click here.

Formal regulations

• It is a requirement that the postdoctoral project is completed during the employment period.
• Candidates cannot be employed as a postdoctoral fellow for more than one fixed term period at the same institution. 
• The postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has their daily workplace at the University of Bergen and comply with current guidelines. 

General information

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting the PI of the RADHEART project, Professor Laura Feldt at laura.feldt@uib.no or the Head of Department, Professor Teemu Sakari Ryymin at teemu.ryymin@uib.no, phone: +47 55 58 38 79.

Questions or inquiries about the electronic application process can be directed to the Faculty of Humanities: fakadm@hf.uib.no.

The International Center at UiB has information about relocating to Norway for international applicants.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions. Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of applicants. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

We encourage men to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.