"PhD Position on New Testament Anthropology"

Position: PhD in New Testament Studies – Biblical Anthropology

Reference: BAP-2025-188

Last Modified: 14/04/2025

About the Department

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at KU Leuven, through the Research Unit of Biblical Studies, invites applications for a PhD position within the WEAVE project on Biblical Anthropology in Canonical Discourse. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Veronika Burz-Tropper (KU Leuven) and Prof. Dr. Katharina Pyschny (University of Graz). It offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding humanity as depicted in the Old and New Testaments.

Project Overview

The research will focus on the anthropological question of individuality and personality within the New Testament and contribute to an international, interdisciplinary study on biblical conceptions of humanity. The project aims to explore the continuities and discontinuities between the Old and New Testaments, focusing on how the Bible constructs understandings of what it means to be human.

The research will be guided by a hermeneutical approach based on the work of Erich Zenger and involve:

• Exploring various biblical perspectives on the human condition.
• Mapping the continuities and differences between Old and New Testament understandings.
• Employing the Christian-Jewish hermeneutical approach of canonical discursivity.
• Contributing to the project’s publications and engaging in a systematic study of individuality and personality in the biblical canon.

Candidate's Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and present a doctoral thesis proposal.
• Research, complete, and successfully defend the doctoral thesis.
• Contribute to the broader research project through published work on anthropological themes.
• Present findings at international and national conferences.
• Organize and participate in academic events related to the project (e.g., colloquia, expert visits).
• Engage with the academic activities of the Biblical Studies Research Unit and the Faculty of Theology.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold an excellent Master’s degree in Theology, with a focus on New Testament Studies.
• Have a strong command of Hellenistic Greek and at least a basic understanding of Biblical Hebrew.
• Be familiar with historical-critical exegesis and biblical hermeneutics, particularly in the Christian-Jewish biblical tradition.
• Be proficient in English (the language of the project) and be willing to learn additional languages, particularly German for secondary literature.
• Have the ability to work independently and demonstrate strong organizational skills, with a collaborative attitude.
• Be willing to reside in Leuven for the duration of the project and travel for project-related work.

What We Offer

• A full-time, fully funded PhD position in an intellectually stimulating environment at KU Leuven.
• Access to resources for conferences, research training, and academic networking.
• A position within a leading, internationally oriented, and multidisciplinary research team.
• Support for practical matters such as immigration, housing, and language learning.
• The initial contract is for 1 year, starting no later than October 1, 2025, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A letter of motivation (max. 1 page) with contact details for two references.
• Curriculum Vitae detailing your exegetical skills and experience with biblical hermeneutics.
• An outline of your intended doctoral research on individuality and personality in the context of the project (max. 2 pages).

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Veronika Burz-Tropper

Phone: +32 16 37 33 75

Email: veronika.burz-tropper@kuleuven.be

You can apply for this position no later than May 23, 2025 via the online application tool.

KU Leuven’s Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe academic environment, encouraging diversity and open dialogue. The university is committed to equal opportunity and does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or other statuses.

For questions about accessibility or support, feel free to contact apply@kuleuven.be.

This PhD position offers an excellent opportunity to engage with the fascinating intersection of biblical anthropology, hermeneutics, and New Testament Studies, while contributing to an international, interdisciplinary research project. If you are passionate about exploring the deep theological and anthropological questions of individuality and personality in the Bible, this could be a perfect fit for you!