Professorship in Christian apocryphal literature and History of Christianity in Antiquity

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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Presentation

The Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religions at the University of Lausanne (www.unil.ch/ftsr) invites applications for:

AN ASSISTANT PROFESSORSHIP (WITH TENURE TRACK) LEADING TO AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSORSHIP
or AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSORSHIP
or A FULL PROFESSORSHIP
in
Christian apocryphal literature and History of Christianity in Antiquity

Information

Starting date: 1 August 2027 (or to be determined)
Contract length: 
•    Assistant Professorship (with tenure track): Initial 2-year appointment, renewable up to two times
•    Associate or Full Professorship: Initial 6-year appointment, renewable

Activity rate: 100% 
Place of work: Lausanne (Dorigny campus) 

Your responsibilities

•    Conduct research in the field of Christian apocryphal literature and History of ancient Christianity;
•    Teach the history of ancient (including early) and medieval Christianity at the Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) levels and contribute to the teaching of the History of ancient and medieval Christianity as part of the programmes in the study of religions; 
•    Supervise doctoral dissertations and contribute to postgraduate and continuing education;
•    Contribute to the missions of the Roman Institute of Biblical Studies (IRSB) and, if required, serve as its chair;
•    Contribute to the institutional missions of the Faculty and the University;
•    Engage in knowledge dissemination beyond the University.

Teaching is conducted primarily in French. However, courses may be taught in English during the first two years if French is not the candidate’s native language.

Your qualifications

•    Doctorate in Theology, in History, or an equivalent qualification;
•    Excellent research profile in the field of Christian apocryphal literature and History of ancient Christianity;
•    Excellent knowledge (for teaching and research) in (critical, multilingual and digital) ecdotics of ancient Christian texts;
•    Excellent knowledge (for teaching and research) of ancient Greek and Latin. The knowledge of another ancient oriental language is an advantage (Armenian, Coptic, Aethiopian, etc.); 
•    Ability to use theories and methods from humanities and the social sciences;
•    Capacity to work with scholars studying diverse religious traditions;
•    Capacity to engage with civil society and the established religious institutions in the Canton of Vaud. 

Applicants should also demonstrate:

•    A solid record of peer-reviewed publications (published or accepted) in the relevant field of research;
•    A documented experience in university-level teaching in the academic fields mentioned above;
•    Strong integration within international scientific networks;
•    Ability to initiate and carry out new research projects;
•    Commitment to interdisciplinarity;
•    Commitment to gender equality;
•    Capacity to reflect on and to analyze contemporary issues based on their field of study.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

Mrs Catherine El Bez (Administrator) [email protected]

Your application

Deadline: 15.07.2026 (23:59 Swiss time GMT+1) 

Applications must be submitted in PDF format via this online recruitment platform. Applications submitted through other means will not be considered. 

The application file should include the following separate documents: 
•    A letter of motivation;  
•    An academic CV (including the title and date of the doctoral dissertation) 
•    A list of scientific publications;
•    Copies of all degrees and attestations/certificates related to the open position (including in the field of ancient languages);
•    Five main publications (in digital form) in the research field of the open position;
•    Names and coordinates of three reference persons. 

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

In order to increase the number of female professors, applications from women are particularly encouraged.

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