About Position/Job
The University of Bern invites applications for a 100% Postdoctoral Position within the SNF Consolidator Project “RomAge”: Ageing and Old Age in the 4th–6th Century Roman Empire: Religious, Legal, Social, and Physical Dimensions. This interdisciplinary project explores how the rise of Christianity transformed societal perceptions of ageing in Late Antiquity, drawing from religious, legal, social, and philosophical sources. The successful candidate will contribute to the subproject “Theory of Ageing: Shifting Religious and Philosophical Attitudes Towards Old Age”, working within a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Bern
- Department: Faculty of Theology
- Research Field: Late Antiquity, Religious Studies, Classical Philology
- Location: Bern, Switzerland
- Number of Post: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (3 years)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 February 2026, or by agreement
- Working Hours: 100% (Full-time)
- Salary Range: Competitive, per SNF guidelines
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Late Antique Studies
- Classical Philology
- Religious Studies
- Social History of Ageing
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Classical Philology, Religious Studies, History, Theology, Archaeology (or a related field)
- Proficiency in reading and analysing Greek, Latin, and Coptic texts
- Peer-reviewed publications in topics related to Late Antiquity, ecclesiastical history, or monasticism
- Strong command of English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with social gerontology or ageing theory
- Experience working with Greek and Coptic religious texts
- Proven ability to work in interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse Greek and Coptic vocabulary on ageing across gender and class
- Select and study literary and epigraphic sources (philosophical treatises, sermons, epistolography, etc.)
- Investigate Egyptian Christian norms related to death, ageing, inheritance, and memory
- Compare Christian and philosophical perceptions of elderly individuals
- Contribute to project database and participate in team seminars, workshops, and conferences
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit all application materials via email to:
📩 Prof. Dr. Anna Usacheva
✉️ anna.usacheva@unibe.ch
Required Documents:
- CV
- Motivation Letter
- Project Contribution Description (max. 3 pages)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: June 2025
- Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Interview Date: To be communicated with shortlisted candidates
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Universität Bern
- Official Notification Link: University of Bern Careers
- Apply Now:
- Fill the form – Application form:
- Send to – anna.usacheva@unibe.ch
