The Faculty of Theology seeks to fill the professorship as mentioned above from 1stOctober 2027.
Academic context
The professorship is embedded in the work of the Institutes for Old and New Testament Studies at the Faculty of Theology. Prospectively, these two institutes are to be merged into one “Institute for Biblical Exegesis and Theology” that will consist of the professorship for Biblical Religious History, alongside another professorship in both Old and New Testament Studies, as well as research assistants and secretarial capacities. With the introduction of the advertised professorship, a lectureship with a focus on teaching will also be established at the newly formed institute. The professorship’s work is interdisciplinary and particularly networked with the professorship of Jewish Studies at the Faculty of Theology, as well as with the Faculty of History, Art and Area Studies, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and with the Faculty of Philology.
Duties
The postholder should conduct internationally visible research in the field of biblical religious history, including research funded by third parties. The duties of the professorship include teaching in the degree programs of the Faculty of Theology in the field of denomination and in the respective subject of teaching qualification (depending on the qualification in Old or New Testament Studies) across the entire spectrum. The postholder is further responsible for examinations in accordance with the examination regulations in the teacher training degree programs and in the diploma/church examination. The successful candidate is expected to continue participating in teaching in the faculty’s program of Jewish Studies in History and Present as well as in interdisciplinary teaching within Leipzig University. The holder of the professorship will develop their own research projects in the field of religious history and will participate in the research activities of the faculty and the university's main areas of research. Networking with related areas in other faculties is also expected. The commitment to contribute to the activities of the Faculty of Theology in the field of transfer/third mission is a prerequisite.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to have a proven research activity, demonstrated by third-party funding and international publications, and a research focus in the field of Biblical Religious History (Old or New Testament, including early Judaism). This includes specific research approaches in the field of cultural history which examine literary evidence in the context of social and material cultures (e.g., archaeology, epigraphy, or iconography). Innovative research approaches (e.g., to “cultural transfer”) and methods (e.g., in the field of “digital humanities”) are expressly desired.
A postdoctoral qualification (habilitation or equivalent qualification) in the subject of Old Testament or New Testament Studies is a prerequisite.
The job holder’s rights and obligations are regulated by the Saxon Higher Education Act (SächsHSG) and the Saxon Service Regulations for Higher Education Institutions (HSDAVO). Applicants must meet the requirements of § 59 SächsHSG.
Research, teaching, transfer, infrastructure and administration require a diversity of perspectives. The university is therefore committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in academia and therefore expressly encourages qualified women to apply.
Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers via e-mail.
Please apply by 8 May 2026 exclusively via Leipzig University’s recruitment portal.
