2 Doctoral positions in Latin and Greek Literature (1+3 years, SNSF Project 'CITE')

The Department of Ancient Civilizations is home to all disciplines within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences concerned with the ancient world (archaeology, history, literature). The Department invites applications for 2 Doctoral research positions in Latin and Greek Literature in the framework of the SNSF-funded research project CITE: Citation, Indirect Transmission, Exegesis. Modes of Reading in Antiquity, which will run jointly in Basel and Cambridge.

The full-time positions will commence on 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be available for four years (with a one year probation period). 

Deadline for applications: 19 January 2025.

Starting date: 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project CITE

Formed by two project groups in Basel and Cambridge, and led by specialists in Greek and Latin Literature and Ancient Philosophy (Prof. Cédric Scheidegger Laemmle, Basel; Prof. Richard Hunter and Prof. Gábor Betegh, Cambridge), the cross-disciplinary project CITE is dedicated to the study of the indirect transmission of ancient literature and philosophy, but shifts attention from textual problems to questions of meaning, interpretation and transmission history raised by the citing texts themselves. Comprising six case studies which together capture central forms of ancient reading practice across the full spectrum of literary, philosophical and technical writing, CITE seeks to contribute to our understanding of how ancient theories of reading and interpretation are applied and how they can be situated on a continuum of reading practices across interpretative and linguistic communities and entrenched boundaries of genre, language and discipline.

Your assignments

The successful candidates will work primarily with Prof. Scheidegger Laemmle and Prof. Hunter to study the citation and exegesis of poetry in the rhetorical tradition (PhD position 1) and of Roman drama in later antiquity (PhD position 2); it is expected that they will complete their PhD theses within the project’s lifetime, with a view to revising it for publication. The doctoral researchers will contribute to the comparative study of the quotational and interpretative practices in Greek and Roman literature which will be a shared focus of all project members and take a full share in the project’s workshops and conferences.

Your profile

Candidates are expected to have successfully completed an MA degree (or equivalent) in Classics / Latin and/or Greek Literature. An interest in the study of indirect traditions, ancient critical practice and textual transmission is desirable. Candidates will pursue a wide range of interests in Latin and Greek literature and value interdisciplinary approaches and dialogue with colleagues and students; ability to work collegially within an international team is essential. Proficiency in German and English is desirable.

We offer you

The Department of Ancient Civilizations offers a stimulating research environment in a friendly and open atmosphere. The post-holder will have an attractive office space with full access to the University’s excellent infrastructure as well as the resources of the University Library and the departmental library, Bibliothek Altertumswissenschaften, a leading research library for the study of the ancient Mediterranean cultures and Graeco-Roman literature. They will be expected to enrol as PhD students with the University of Basel and to join the interdisciplinary Doktoratsprogramm der Basler Altertumswissenschaften. They will profit from regular interchange with the project teams both in Basel and in Cambridge. The Basel Department regularly hosts visiting scholars (e.g. through the Basel Fellowships in Latin Literature) and is a centre of scholarly exchange both nationally and internationally. The successful candidates will be offered an attractive remuneration package (salary, social benefits) in accordance with the guidelines of the University, with access to the University’s rich programme of Continuing Education, Language Teaching and University Sports.

Application / Contact

Applicants should submit their complete application dossier (cover letter, CV, list of publications, relevant academic transcripts and diplomas) via the online application portal of the university by 19 January 2025 (see button below). Candidates should name two referees who could provide reference letters upon request. Applications not submitted via the online application portal of the university or incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions about the position may be addressed to Prof. Scheidegger Laemmle (c.scheidegger.laemmle@unibas.ch, academic enquiries) or our HR Team (hr-daw@unibas.ch, formal/administrative enquiries).