Macquarie University is accepting expressions of interest for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Candidates should have strong experience in supporting research projects as well as conducting their own research, and who have related experience in the subject area. The successful candidate will support the lead Chief Investigator and can pursue their own research on the study, relevant to the project.

About the Project
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow is required to support the Discovery Project: Memories of Utopia: Destroying the Past to Create the Future. This project examines the evidence for competing utopian ideologies in early Christianity, which was a prelude to the later clash with Islam from the seventh century onward. Evidence from pagan-Jewish-Christian conflicts in Late Antiquity (300-650 CE) shows that violent destruction of the past is not exclusive to fringe religious groups, but a propensity in mainstream religion. These past conflicts are relevant for understanding the current conflict in the Middle East, precisely because our analysis of the sources shows that, in intra- and inter-religious conflicts in Late Antiquity in this same geographic region, violent destruction of the past was a propensity in mainstream religion, not exclusive to fringe religious groups.

Selection Criteria
To be considered for this position, you will demonstrate the requirements below in your CV and a 1-2 page cover letter:

• doctoral qualification awarded in a relevant area or submission of doctorate pending
• demonstrated experience in conducting research and supporting research projects
• Experience in co-editing volumes of conference proceedings
• Expertise in Byzantine and Jewish cultures 400-650 CE
• A record o f relevant peer review publications
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.