The research units History of Church and Theology (Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies) and Latin Literature (Faculty of Arts) of the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) invite applications for a 4-year PhD position in the field of Latin Patristics. The successful candidate will conduct research within the framework of the research project ‘An early witness to the ‘construction’ of (Semi-)Pelagianism? Critical edition, content analysis, and reception study of the Ps.-Augustinian Hypomnesticon’, supervised by Prof. Anthony Dupont and Prof. Gert Partoens.
Running from 2023 to 2029, the project studies the Hypomnesticon contra Pelagianos et Caelestianos. This late antique treatise consists of six books, which systematically refute the teachings of so-called (Semi-)Pelagianism. The anonymous author heavily depended on Augustine’s anti-Pelagian treatises and on the latter’s teachings about original sin, grace and predestination. Despite its clear impact and widespread reception, the work has received little attention in scholarship.
The project consists of two parts:
- Analysis of the work’s manuscript transmission and preparation of a new critical edition (to be published in the Series Latina of the Corpus Christianorum). This part of the project has started in 2023 (drs. Lode Moens, supervisors: G. Partoens, M. Giani (University of Milan), A. Dupont).
- Study of the authorship, historical context, sources, structural and rhetorical aspects, theological argumentation, and Medieval reception of the work. This part of the project constitutes the object of the PhD vacancy.
More information on the project: https://research.kuleuven.be/portal/en/project/3H230287
2. Objectives
The PhD candidate will be based within the research unit History of Church and Theology or the research unit Latin Literature at KU Leuven, and supervised by Prof. Anthony Dupont, Prof. Gert Partoens, and Dr. Nicolas De Maeyer. The candidate’s main objective is to produce a dissertation (in English or French) relating to the research questions formulated in the second part of the project description. Additionally, the candidate will disseminate research findings through academic publications and conference papers. Participation in teaching duties and administrative tasks at KU Leuven will also form part of the position.
3. What KU Leuven offers
- Full-time, four-year PhD position, with a competitive salary in line with KU Leuven’s regulations (approx. 2.600 – 2.700 EUR net/month).
- Access to KU Leuven’s research infrastructure, including libraries, archives, and academic networks.
- Opportunities to engage with an interdisciplinary community of scholars and participate in national and international conferences.
- Position start date: early 2026 (subject to the candidate’s availability and KU Leuven’s HR procedures).
4. Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Latin literature, ancient history, theology, or religious studies.
- Strong knowledge of Latin (language and literature), with demonstrated proficiency in reading, interpreting, and critically analyzing Latin texts.
- Solid knowledge of early Christian thought and literature, with a particular focus on the intellectual and theological traditions of Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.
- Strong command of English and/or French. Reading proficiency in German and Italian. Knowledge of Dutch is an added advantage.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to contribute to the academic community at KU Leuven through teaching assistance and other activities.
- Candidates must have their principal residence in Belgium for the entire duration of the appointment.
5. How to apply
The application must include (in a single PDF)
- Letter of motivation (max. 3 pp.)
- Curriculum vitae and (if applicable) list of publications
- Copy of MA-degree (including course grades)
- Names and contact information of two academic references
Applications should be sent to Prof. Anthony Dupont (anthony.dupont@kuleuven.be) and Prof. Gert Partoens (gert.partoens@kuleuven.be) by 15 December 20
