PhD position “Gendered Exegesis in Augustine’s Preaching: A Critical Examination of His Views on Women”

Offer Description
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Prof. Marie Pauliat (Prof. of Early Christianity, UCLouvain) is looking for a PhD researcher for a research project entitled: “Gendered Exegesis in Augustine’s Preaching: A Critical Examination of His Views on Women”.
Who are the female listeners of Augustine’s preaching, and what does he say to them? How and why does he present female biblical characters as models for women and men? The answers to these research questions are likely to reassess Augustine’s views on women, through his preaching. Indeed, research into the views of Saint Augustine (354-430) on women criticizes his impact on Western patriarchal society. But it has neglected his about 1000 sermons, even though they reflect a theology in action, inseparable from its contexts and audiences. This project thus lies at the crossroads of 2 very dynamic fields of research, gender studies and sermon studies. The research combines textual analysis and distant reading. The conclusions will also fit in with contemporary reflections on Christian women.
The PhD position is linked to the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (THER), as well as a pluridisciplinary institute Religions-Spiritualités-Cultures-Sociétés (RCSC).

Where to apply
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E-mail [email protected]

Requirements
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Research Field Religious sciences » Theology
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Religious sciences » Other
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Literature » Other
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Philosophy » Other
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field History » Church history
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field History » Ancient history
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field History » Medieval history
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
You hold after February 1, 2023 (or will hold one by the starting date) a Master’s degree in a relevant field, including (but not limited to) Classics & Ancient History, History, Theology and Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Oriental Studies. If you do not hold a master degree but expect to acquire it before October 2025, please specify the expected date.
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
– You have a very good knowledge of Latin, and the capacity of reading in English and French.
– You have an interest in engaging with other disciplines, in particular (depending on the field of your initial training) theology, philosophy, history, philology and rhetorics.
– Strong social skills that enable you to work in a team, as well as the necessary skills to work independently (with guidance and mentoring).
– You can present very good study results.
– You are quality-oriented, with integrity, creative and collaborative; you have solid research and organizational skills.
– You have strong social skills that enable to work in team, as well as the necessary skills to work independently (with guidance and mentoring) and take initiative.
– You take on a limited set of teaching and research support tasks in the Research Unit and Faculty.
Desirable criteria
– A good knowledge of Greek and the capacity of communicating in English and of reading in Italian and Spanish are an advantage.
– Knowledge of Digital Humanities, or a willingness to acquire this, is an advantage.
– The thesis may be written in French or English, but the usual language of communication at the THER Faculty is French. Capacity of communicating in French or willingness to acquire it is highly desirable.
Languages FRENCH
Level Good
Languages LATIN
Level Good
Languages ENGLISH
Level Good

Additional Information
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Benefits
– The doctoral grant is given for an initial period of two years, starting by the latest October 1st 2025, and is extendable for two additional years following the successful evaluation. The accepted PhD candidate will also be obliged to submit the application for external funding (FNRS) during the initial period of two years.
– A competitive salary around €2000 per month (net salary).
– A possibility of an additional budget to cover research and travel costs.
– A stimulating research environment and the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team involving experts from theology, religious studies, philology, history, philosophy, art, and social sciences.
– Numerous opportunities for personal growth through participation in international conferences, publication of articles, doctoral courses, collaboration with international scholars, etc.
– Possibility of limited teaching (subject to an approval by the Faculty and the research supervisor)
– Convivial and inclusive university work environment with numerous benefits. For a complete overview of work benefits, consult the following page: https://www.uclouvain.be/fr/emploi/quels-sont-les-avantages-a-travailler-pour-l-uclouvain (in French)
Eligibility criteria
You meet the entrance requirements for the Ph.D in Theology or the Ph.D in Religious Studies from the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at UCLouvain.
The PhD position is based in Louvain la Neuve (Belgium) and the accepted candidate will be required to move to Belgium and actively participate in the research activities at the Faculty and the research institute.
Selection process
The application can be written in English or in French.
To apply, please send to [email protected] in one pdf file (entitled PhD-2025-NAME); be sure to use the same title to your email:
– your CV, accompagnied by the contact information of 2 academics who could be contacted to support your application (e.g., Master thesis supervisor),
– a motivation letter explaining your interest in the position (1 page max),
– A short proposal (up to 1000 words) containing a brief outline of your proposed contribution to the project (including the topic, its relevance, research question, methodological approach, and preliminary research corpus),
– Sample chapter of the MA thesis or a published article.
The deadline for the application is the 31st of May, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
In the second phase of recruitment, shortlisted candidates will be demanded to send a copy of Bachelor’s and (if applicable) Master’s Degree certificates and transcript of records, and to expand their project (including Preliminary sources; Goals and objectives; Methodology; Research timeline).
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Work Location(s)
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Number of offers available 1
Company/Institute Université catholique de Louvain
Country Belgium
City Louvain-la-Neuve
Postal Code 1348
Street Grand Place 45

Contact
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City Louvain la Neuve
Website https://www.uclouvain.be/fr/instituts-recherche/rscs
Street Grand Place 45
Postal Code 1348
E-Mail [email protected]