Locality and Society: Horizontal Binding Forces in Antiquity is an interdisciplinary project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the University of Würzburg. A cooperation of the disciplines of Greek Philology, Old Testament Studies, and Ancient History, the joint project investigates horizontal binding forces at the local level and the self-organised groups supported by them, for example associations or religious communities, which were essential for regulating processes in society.

In the field of Greek Philology, the project ‘Monasticism and Local Self-Organisation: Monastic Letters, Horizontal Binding Forces, and Urban Community in Late Antiquity’ will be carried out. Project leader is Prof. Dr. Jan R. Stenger.

We are looking for two Doctoral Researchers. The two positions are available as of 1 October 2023, for a period of three years with 65% of the regular weekly working hours.

Both doctoral researchers will work in the interdisciplinary research project on their own dissertations. Two positions are available:
a dissertation on the letters of Isidore of Pelusium (c. 360–450 CE) and their communication within the local context of Egyptian Pelusium
a dissertation on the Responses of the monks Barsanuphius and John of Gaza (sixth c. CE) in the local context of the society of Gaza in Palestine

Requirements for the application include a completed university degree with grades well above average in a relevant field as well as excellent command of Ancient Greek. Knowledge of Latin is an advantage.