Postdoc in Practical Theology (2 years)

The research field

The postdoctoral position in Practical Theology is part of an ongoing initiative to build a research environment on the theme of ‘church in public spaces’. The public space referred to includes both a metaphorical spatiality and concrete, site-specific manifestations of a public domain. From a practical-theological perspective, this initiative engenders questions about how churches and Christian communities are manifested in, influenced by and defined as public spaces. Even what is frequently presented as traditional expressions of Christian faith (worship, prayer, preaching and so on), and which are customarily understood as being central to Practical Theology, take shape in and create public spaces. Questions related to public spaces as areas of negotiation, transformation and mutual influence are central to this research endeavour.

You apply for the position with a proposal for a research project that clearly contributes to studying the above-mentioned theme. The project can be centred around questions such as how Christian communities of various kinds create places for public dialogue, how ecclesial practices are affected by their public character or how expressions of Christian spirituality interact with public concerns. We also welcome proposals related to other aspects of the initiative. The project should primarily focus on aspects of church life in the Nordic countries. The project can be historically orientated or focus on contemporary conditions.

Work duties

You will work on your proposed project primarily in collaboration with colleagues in the Church and Mission Studies subject area at the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies (CTR). You may also be part of other project groups working with the CTR as a base.

You will be expected to participate in the research community through active participation in research seminars and other research-related activities at the CTR. The duties require regular attendance at the workplace.

Teaching, supervision and other teaching-related duties may be involved within the framework of the position, but for not more than 20% of working hours.

What we offer

As a postdoc you are given an opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with support from more senior colleagues. The appointment is limited to two years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow.

We support you in your move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund’s International Citizen Hub Lund.

Lund University is a public authority which means that you receive special benefits, generous annual leave and a favourable occupational pension. The University applies individual salary-setting. Read more about being employed at Lund University here:  Work at Lund University | Lund University.

Ready to shape the future of research? Find more reasons why Lund University and the HT Faculties is right for you here, and learn more about Working in Lund, Moving to Lund and Living in Lund.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements

• You are to have completed a Ph.D. or an international degree deemed equivalent in Practical Theology, History of Christianity, Religious Studies or Theology. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than the date when the employment decision is made, and as an applicant, you are responsible for supplementing your application with documentation that confirms the completed doctoral degree. The supplement should be emailed to [title and name of the person in the department who is responsible for the recruitment] (for email address, see the University website: Hege Irene Markussen | Centre for Theology and Religious Studies). The position is a career development post, and its purpose is to act as an initial step on a career path. The candidate most likely to come into question is one who has completed a doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline. If there are special circumstances such as leave of absence because of illness, parental leave, position as elected representative in trade union organisations, military service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area, this time can be deducted from the time elapsed since the doctoral degree was completed.
• Very good written and spoken English and very good knowledge of languages relevant to the proposed research project.

Assessment criteria

• Good ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
• Teaching skills.

The main criterion for a postdoctoral fellowship is research expertise. Only applicants whose research plan and earlier work can strengthen the research environment will be considered for employment as a postdoc. If you have undergone teaching and learning in higher education training equivalent to two weeks in accordance with the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ recommendations, you are deemed to have teaching skills. If the person appointed does not possess this, or equivalent training, and if teaching is part of the work duties, such training is to be offered within the framework of the position.

Desired qualifications

• Proven experience of working on research projects
• Proven experience of ethnographic or historical methods
• Proven experience of participating in interdisciplinary and international research collaborations

How to apply

Your application should be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

As part of your application, you are to attach a research plan. Your research plan should relate to the research initiative described above. In addition to the research plan/doctoral thesis, it is possible to submit up to five publications.

You can find instructions on how to compile an application here: How to apply for a postdoc position at the Joint Faculties of Humanity and Theology | The joint faculties of humanities and theology