Fulltime

The Institute of Old Catholic Theology invites applications for a PhD in theology (3 years) in the MAPS-Project IMAGO "How do images speak? The dynamics of figures, metaphors and symbols in Christian discourse and beyond".

The project examines how images circulate as metaphors and symbols and what messages they convey across religious, cultural and linguistic boundaries. IMAGO involves a collaboration between the University of Bern, the University of Sibiu and the University of Sofia, and is financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Job Description
The doctoral research is in systematic theology with focus on Old Catholic Theology. The successful candidate will contribute to the research of images of corporeality, organic and inorganic images in Church Fathers and their circulation in identity formation and legitimation strategies in Old Catholic ecclesiology from the 19th century until today. Research on ecumenical documents signed by Old Catholic theologians together with theologians of other denominations (Orthodox, Anglican, Roman Catholic etc.) can be considered.
Requirements
Master in Theology or similar disciplines; interest in research on Old Catholic Theology; good knowledge of English and German.
Offer
3 years, with possibility of extension of max. 1 year. The expected starting date is October 2025.
The doctoral student will work in an international and ecumenical team with participants from Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romania, will have access to the facilities of the University of Bern, and benefit from the dynamic activities of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology and the Faculty of Theology of Bern. Financial benefits will follow the custom salary range for doctoral students at the University of Bern.
Application

Applications (or any queries) should be submitted in German or English at georgiana.huian @ unibe.ch and should contain a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a one-page description of the intended project, as well as a sample of academic writing (one pdf-file). Deadline for applications: 15 Oktober 2025 .