Phd for the Romana ERC Project – on the Roman Cultural Turn among Jews, Greek Pagans and Christians (part-time role)

About our Campus: Nestled atop Mount Scopus in northeastern Jerusalem, the Hebrew University's Mount Scopus Campus offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Established in 1925, it serves as the University's original campus and a beacon of academic excellence. The campus is home to the faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Business Administration, Education, and Social Work, as well as the Rothberg International School. Its rich history and vibrant academic community provide students with a unique environment that blends rigorous scholarship with the cultural and historical tapestry of Jerusalem.

About Our Department: The Faculty of Humanities at the Hebrew University is internationally renowned for its excellence in classical studies, Jewish thought, philosophy, and comparative religion. The Faculty fosters deep engagement with ancient texts in their original languages, and supports interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of philology, legal theory, theology, and cultural history. Our researchers are leading voices in the study of Greco-Roman antiquity, early Christianity, and Rabbinic Judaism, and we cultivate a vibrant environment for critical scholarship rooted in historical context and textual precision.

About Our Research: The Romana ERC project investigates the Roman cultural turn in ancient Jewish, Greek, and Christian thought, focusing on how these communities engaged with the philosophical, literary, and legal frameworks of the Roman Empire. This doctoral position is part of a collaborative team exploring interdisciplinary studies of texts in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew/Aramaic. Research areas include intellectual shifts within Hellenistic Judaism, early Christian writings, Rabbinic literature, and Greco-Roman philosophy, all within a richly contextual historical framework.

Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated doctoral student to join the Romana project team under the leadership of Prof. Maren Niehoff. The student will participate in the project's academic activities, contribute to its scholarly publications, and conduct research aligned with one or more of the core thematic areas. The position is part-time and includes active involvement in workshops and collaborative discussions. The role is ideal for a student eager to contribute to comparative, text-centered research that bridges the Jewish, Greco-Roman, and early Christian traditions.

About Your Supervisor: Prof. Maren Niehoff is one of the leading scholars of ancient Judaism and Greco-Roman intellectual history. She holds the Chair in Jewish Philosophy and Thought at the Hebrew University and is the Principal Investigator of the Romana ERC project. Her work explores Philo of Alexandria, ancient Jewish exegesis, and the interplay between Hellenistic philosophy and early Rabbinic thought. Known for her rigorous textual scholarship and wide-ranging erudition, Prof. Niehoff is deeply committed to fostering scholarly collaboration across disciplines and traditions.
Visit Prof. Niehoff's Page: https://marenniehoff.huji.ac.il/

Funding:

An annual fellowship of 20,000 USD

Your Profile (To excel in this role, we seek candidates with): [Please Review]

• Hellenistic Judaism in a Roman Context
• The New Testament in the Roman Empire
• Rabbinic literature in the Land of Israel in comparative perspective
• Latin and Greek philosophy in the Roman Empire
• Greek literature in the Roman Empire

Additional qualities:
• Strong philological skills and historical awareness
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Dedication to producing project-related research and publications

Embracing Diversity: At Hebrew University we believe that diversity inspires creativity, fosters curiosity, and enriches our ecosystem through academic collaboration and cultural exchange. We consider every member of our community an integral part, irrespective of their religion, gender, or ethnic origin.

The University is home to nearly 25,000 students across our 6 campuses, including ~2,500 international students per year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal ground, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion, and celebrates the contribution of its talented members. 

Application: Please submit the following documentation as three separate PDF files: 

• Letter of motivation
• CV (including a list of publications)
• Copy of your original academic degree(s)

Application Deadline: See details below.

About Hebrew University: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) is one of the world's leading research institutions, consistently ranked as a global top 100 university. Established by luminaries such as Albert Einstein, the University is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across various domains, including brain sciences, medicine, biomedicine, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and more. Our 6 campuses house 100+ research centers, with ~4,000 research projects underway year-round. 

About Jerusalem: Hebrew University is an integral part of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and one of the most fascinating, diverse cities on earth. Thousands of students from across the globe live in Jerusalem, immersing themselves in its vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, while marveling at the juxtaposition of its 3,000-year-old history and cutting-edge modernity. Students make the most of their spare time by enjoying Jerusalem’s myriad attractions, from restaurants, cafes and pubs, to dance clubs, museums, theaters, and year-round festivals.