Associate Professor New Testament Studies

Context
Tilburg University is a Catholic University in the Netherlands with five Schools. At Tilburg University, the social sciences and humanities have a central position. In its teaching and research, the university actively seeks to engage with society, with citizens and civil society organizations. ‘Understanding Society’ is our motto. Internationally, Tilburg University has a strong reputation in academic education and research and fosters interdisciplinary research. Within Tilburg University, the School of Catholic Theology (TST) provides academic education and conducts research in theology with a view to connecting the Catholic tradition with contemporary culture and society.

The School has two research departments: one on Religion in Practice and one on Texts in Contexts. As its strategic aim, the School formulated the fostering of ‘Religious Literacy for the 21st Century’, understood as a combination of knowledge of the (intra- and inter)religious world and (reading) skills regarding religion and philosophy of life (Strategic Plan 2021-27).

The research programme ‘Texts in Contexts’, embedded in said department, binds together academic disciplines that are inherently oriented towards sources from the Jewish-Christian tradition, from the biblical era throughout the intellectual tradition, spanning from early Christianity to the present. Our scholars typically investigate biblical and historical sources and discourses, contextualize them and generate growing insight into particular aspects of the tradition or to fathom contemporary phenomena and mechanisms precisely from the communication modes of centuries. They underline the inherent significance of religious texts, both in themselves and in relation to the contexts in which they are (re)told, written down, and processed into new texts.

The theology faculty is located in Tilburg and Utrecht. The School is accredited by the Holy See, allowing it to confer canonical degrees. TST educates students for all functions that require academic and professional knowledge of religion, including functions in chaplaincy and religious education, as well as in many other professional fields. TST is characterized by short lines of communication and an open and cordial atmosphere.

Job Description
The Tilburg School of Catholic Theology is seeking an enthusiastic colleague for the position of Associate Professor of New Testament Studies within the Department of Texts in Contexts. Among the duties involved you are expected to:

• study New Testament literature, its milieu and its reception, as well as its relevance for the Catholic tradition and contemporary society;
• conduct international level research in the field of New Testament literature and its reception and publish on this in peer reviewed academic venues;
• collaborate with colleagues in the fields of Old Testament Studies, Judaic Studies, and the history of Catholic thought and spirituality, and actively seek synergies between the research areas in the department;
• obtain external funding and research projects and (supervise) PhD candidates;
• provide Dutch- and English-taught courses in New Testament Studies (in particular Synoptics and Johannine literature, Acts and Letters, and Ma level in-depth courses), in Utrecht and Tilburg and with a maximum annual teaching load of 30 ECTS;
• perform management tasks within the School and Department.

We are looking for a candidate with the following profile: 

• You hold a PhD (and preferably STD) in a discipline relevant to this position.
• You have proven experience in academic education, are an excellent lecturer, and can master modern didactic techniques.
• You have or develop a research line or focus, embedded in the program and the School’s mission.
• You master the classic languages (Greek, Latin and preferably Biblical Hebrew) required for research and education in the field of New Testament Studies.
• You have a track record of international scientific output and collaboration.
• You have experience supervising students, including supervision in research on the levels of Master students and PhD candidates.
• You value Team Science, possess excellent communication skills and are focused on effective collaboration with colleagues in an interdisciplinary context.
• You have a good command of English (Proficiency in English is mandatory on CEFR level C2) and Dutch (or a willingness to learn Dutch at the short term).
• You preferably have a UTQ certificate.
• You meet the requirements as expressed in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium and the Special statutes of the TST. Candidates must obtain permission to teach (missio canonica and nihil obstat) from the Grand Chancellor of the TST.

The position is opened at 0.8 or 1.0fte, classified as an "Associate Professor" in the Dutch University Job Classification System (UFO) as Associate Professor 2. Candidates will initially receive an employment contract for 12 months (for internal candidates) or 18 months (for external candidates). Upon proven suitability and continuation in the same position, an employment contract of indefinite duration will be offered. 

The salary is a minimum of € 6.286,-  and a maximum of € 7.651,- gross per month for full-time employment, based on UFO profile of Associate Professor 2 and salary scale 13 of the CLA of Dutch Universities. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system for scaling based on work experience. 

Tilburg University offers excellent terms of employment with attention to flexibility and (personal) development and has excellent fringe benefits. We make clear agreements about career paths and offer various facilities and arrangements to maintain an optimal work-life balance. You can also take numerous training courses, for example in the areas of leadership skills, personal effectiveness, and career development.

You are entitled to a vacation allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your gross annual income. With full-time employment, you will receive 328 leave hours per year. 
Candidates from outside the Netherlands may, if they meet the relevant conditions, be eligible for a tax-free allowance for the 30/20/10% scheme. The university applies for this allowance on their behalf.
All university employees are covered by the so-called Civil Service Pension Fund (ABP).

Tilburg University values an open and inclusive culture. We embrace diversity and encourage the mutual integration of groups of staff and students. We focus on creating equal opportunities for all our staff and students so that everyone feels at home in our university community.

Tilburg University has a vibrant campus in green surroundings, while the Utrecht location of TST is in the historical city center of Utrecht. Both locations are easily accessible by public transportation. We are committed to a sustainable society and challenge you to make an active contribution to it.

Please refer to working at Tilburg University for more information about our terms of employment. 

Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST) focuses on scholarly training and research in Catholic theology for the benefit of all those interested and in particular for those preparing for an office or position requiring a canonical mission. TST is the only school of Catholic theology in the Netherlands that is recognized by the Church. Besides offering scholarly education, preparing students for ecclesiastical office, the school also offers a research-masters programme in theology and a master programme Christianity and Society. The faculty’s main offices are located in Utrecht, but a full programme of studies is also taught in Tilburg.

Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Adress in Utrecht:

Nieuwe Gracht 61-65
3512 LG Utrecht