The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Groningen invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of New Testament. The candidate will work in the Department of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Origins, which is one of three departments in the Faculty. The organizational framework of the Faculty’s research is formed by the Centre for Religious Studies. The candidate is expected to take an active role in CRASIS — Groningen’s inter-faculty research group for the study of Graeco-Roman antiquity.

New Testament and Early Christianity studies at the University of Groningen are approached as an integral part of the Graeco-Roman cultural context. Besides the study of the foundational texts of the Jewish and Christian Bibles, and the Quran, the department puts a strong focus on alternative traditions not included in the official Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scriptures, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish and Christian apocrypha, the Nag Hammadi collection, and pre- and early Islamic inscriptions.

The successful candidate approaches the New Testament from a broad perspective. Besides the particular study and exegesis of its twenty-seven writings, (s)he analyses the New Testament in the context of Graeco-Roman, Eastern and Egyptian religions, and the mystery cults. (S)he pays close attention to the history and archaeology of the Graeco-Roman world in which the New Testament developed.

The successful candidate is expected to do research, to teach, and to supervise graduate and PhD students in the fields of New Testament. (S)he is expected to develop new ideas in research and teaching, and to acquire external funding (independently or jointly with other colleagues) for future research. (S)he is expected to develop a conceptually consistent research programme that complements the research of the Department of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Origins. In the Master’s degree programme, (s)he contributes to the track Religion and Pluralism: Ancient and Modern. Also, (s)he is expected to have, or to develop, affinity with the Dutch context and to contribute to sustaining the Faculty’s strategic partnership with the Protestant Theological University.

The position will involve 50% teaching, 40% research, and 10% administration. Acquisition of external research funding may lead to teaching load reductions.

What we ask:

- a PhD degree in New Testament or Christian Origins or another field appropriate to the position
- experience and proven success in teaching in a variety of class types and sizes
- an exemplary research record demonstrated by publications in international top journals and/or in peer-reviewed books
- success in acquiring external funding (public or private) for research projects
- a well-founded and motivated application with an innovative and integrative research plan for the first five years and a challenging outlook for the future, taking into account the international research landscape in your field
- significant international experience and evidence of international recognition
- evidence of organizational qualities and communication skills
- fluency in the English language, in written and spoken form
- the University of Groningen requires teaching staff to attain the University Teaching Qualification; a successful applicant lacking this qualification (or equivalent) is expected to obtain it within two years, by attending courses at the University
- willingness to learn the Dutch language, with the aim of reaching European standard B2 within three to five years so that you are able to communicate with faculty, staff, and students in Dutch
- willingness to take up residence in or near the city of Groningen.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

We offer you, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary, depending on qualifications and work experience, with a minimum of € 3,821 (salary scale 11) to a maximum of € 5,943 (salary scale 12) gross per month for a full-time position
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- participation in a pension scheme for employees
- 232 holiday hours per calendar year.

The base for this position is a temporary contract for 12 or 18 months with a view on a permanent contract. The concrete content and duration of the temporary employment contract (12 or 18 months) depend on the candidate's previous employment history.

The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). For more detailed information about working conditions and working for the University of Groningen, please check: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/work-with-us/informatie-nieuwe-medewerkers/

The appointee will ideally commence 1 August 2022.

Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Being among the best research universities in Europe, and working alongside prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen aims to be an international centre of knowledge.

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies dates back to the University’s foundation. Being part of a public university, it aims to perform cutting-edge research and teaching in a wide variety of disciplines in the fields of theology and religious studies. We investigate religions as cultural phenomena and social forces in diverse contexts in the past and present. By generating and sharing scholarly knowledge, the Faculty aims to create impact and to contribute to a sustainable society, offering the public and government credible resources for reflection on religion and society.