Postdoc (f/m/x)
The Institute for Medieval Research, Division of Byzantine Research, of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research institution, is offering a position as
Postdoc (f/m/x)
(full-time, 40 hours per week)
starting from 01 September 2026 until 31 August 2028 (24 months).
Within the framework of the ERC Starting Grant project RevIdEM "Reviving the Ascetic Ideal in the Eastern Mediterranean. Entangled Memories of Early Egyptian Monasticism in Medieval Syriac, Arabic, and Armenian Christianity (969-1375 CE)", funded by the European Research Council (ERC, Grant Nr. 101078631) and led by Dr. Adrian C. Pirtea (PI), the position of a researcher (PostDoc) for studying the Copto-Arabic reception of the Apophthegmata Patrum and related literature is advertised.
Your Tasks
- To work on a monograph, or a series of academic articles, on the reception, translation, and manuscript transmission of Desert Fathers literature (Apophthegmata Patrum) in medieval (Copto-Arabic) Egypt
- To contribute to the project database of Armenian, Syriac, and Arabic manuscripts containing ascetic/monastic collections, with a focus on Copto-Arabic manuscripts
- To actively participate in RevIdEM’s research activities: conferences, workshops, research communication, manuscript research trips
- Collaboration and exchange with other colleagues in the Department of Byzantine Research and the Institute for Medieval Research.
Your Profile
- A PhD in Arabic Studies, Eastern Christian Studies, Theology, Religious Studies or a closely related field
- Previous postdoctoral experience (research projects, fellowships)
- Relevant publication record, especially with regard to the reception of Desert Fathers literature
- Excellent command of Arabic and extensive knowledge of Christian Arabic literature
- Good working knowledge of other ancient and medieval source languages (Greek, Latin, Syriac, Ethiopic, etc.)
- Significant experience in working with manuscripts
- Experience with TEI/XML and digital tools such as digital editions, databases, etc.;
- Capable of working in a team.
Our Offer
- Collaboration with a dynamic ERC Starting Grant research team
- An optimal working environment in one of the world's leading institutions for Byzantine research
- Possibilities of future collaborations with other research projects and institutions in Vienna
- Excellent research infrastructure, especially with regard to library and access to databases
- Opportunity to develop one’s own research profile
The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 70.167,44 (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). For part-time employment, the salary will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in line with the agreed working hours.
Please submit your application (letter of motivation – including a brief outline of the work you envisage for the project, an academic CV, a list of publications, a copy of the PhD diploma) by June 12, 2026.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
