About the Position
KU Leuven invites applications for a 10-month Postdoctoral Researcher position in Digital Manuscript Studies, funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant project BICROSS. Based in the Research Unit of Biblical Studies and LEMMA Centre, this interdisciplinary project explores bilingual New Testament manuscripts from the 4th to 15th centuries, using computational tools to uncover cross-language textual interactions.
This role is ideal for candidates with a PhD in Theology, Digital Humanities, or Manuscript Studies, and demonstrated expertise in computational linguistics, TEI/XML encoding, and New Testament textual criticism. Scholars must meet international mobility requirements (having resided outside Belgium for at least 24 of the past 36 months).
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to text analysis, tool development, and digital transcription, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Prof. Christina M. Kreinecker. KU Leuven offers a vibrant academic environment in the heart of Europe, with excellent research support and infrastructure.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Scholar
- Institution: KU Leuven
- Department: Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, Research Unit of Biblical Studies & LEMMA centre
- Research Field: New Testament studies; digital humanities; manuscript studies
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Scholarship with international mobility (10 months)
- Start Date: 1 December 2025
- Working Hours: 100%
- Salary Scale: BICROSS project funding (ERC Consolidator Grant)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Bilingual New Testament manuscript studies
- Digital humanities & computational analysis
- Codicology & textual criticism
- Cross-language interaction
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Theology (New Testament/Patristics), Computer Science, or related field
- Lived outside Belgium for ≥24 of the last 36 months
- Experience with Python, Java, TEI/XML, NLP, manuscript databases
- Fluent Greek and at least one other project language
- Strong publication record
Preferred:
- Experience with manuscript transcriptions, codicology, or AI in DH
- Excellent English and collaborative skills
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement digital analysis tools
- Digitally transcribe and compare bilingual manuscripts morphologically, syntactically, semantically
- Present findings at conferences and publish research
- Work independently and in collaboration within the international BICROSS team
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit online via KU Leuven’s application portal by 17 July 2025, 23:59 CET. Late or email submissions will not be accepted.
Required Documents:
- 1‑page motivation letter
- CV with computational skills
- 2‑page work plan aligned with BICROSS
- PhD diploma
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Now
- Deadline: 17 July 2025
- Start Date: 1 December 2025
Useful Links
- Institution Website: KU Leuven
- Official Notification Link: BICROSS Postdoctoral Scholarship
- Apply Now: Apply at KU Leuven
