University of Potsdam, Faculty of Arts, School of Jewish Theology

W3 Professorship for Bible and Judaic Exegesis

The Faculty of Arts at the University of Potsdam currently establishes a (worldwide) unique center for academic Jewish theology. It realizes a 200 year old demand formulated by Rabbi Abraham Geiger. He wanted Jewish theology created as an equal subject to the Christian theologies at German universities. Finally, in the winter semester 2013/14 we form now the new “School of Jewish Theology” in co-operation with the Abraham Geiger College and the Zacharias Frankel College for rabbinical training. We would like to add to the existing Professorship of Talmud and Rabbinic Literature the following professorial chair together with other Professorships:

W3 Professorship for Bible and Judaic Exegesis

The position is a five-year temporary position.

The holder of this professorship shall represent the discipline of “Hebrew Bible” in research and teaching in its entire breadth. The professorship deals with text, tradition and exegesis of the Hebrew Bible on the basis of history of ancient Israel and its oriental contexts. Special attention should be devoted not only to the traditional Jewish commentaries - especially those of the Middle Ages and modern times − but also to the historical-critical method.

The holder is to represent his or her area as a core discipline for the training of rabbis and cantors. Despite this, Jewish theology is also taught without an emphasis on congregational involvement.This requires a willingness to co-operate with the Institute for Jewish and Religious Studies and with the Centre for Interreligious Studies of Potsdam University (soon to be established) as well as the Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Jewish Studies. This professor will fulfil 50% of his or her teaching obligations at the Abraham Geiger College.

The duties of the professorship do not only include research and work in the university bodies of self-administration, but also teaching in the courses of studies leading to B.A. and M.A. degrees in the areas of “Jewish Theology”, “Jewish Studies” and “Religious Studies”. The professorship also includes the supervision on post graduate and post doctoral level.

The position requires a special familiarity with Jewish insider perspectives and positions. Any applicant shall belong to a Jewish congregation.

Any applicant needs to have pedagogical and didactical skills at university level, must hold a post doctoral thesis or comparable qualification in Biblical, Judaic, Jewish or Religious Studies, the History of Religion or Theology. Any applicant must have a track record in obtaining third party funded projects and organisation of academic conferences. Ordained graduates of rabbinical seminaries which are recognised in Germany as universities (H+) in accordance with the standards of the German ministers of education and cultural affairs are particularly welcome to apply.

The process for filling this position will be conducted in accordance with section 38 BbgHG (University and College Act of Brandenburg State).

Appointment will be made according to the laws of Brandenburg (Brandenburgisches Hochschulgesetz - BbgHG § 38, 41). According to state law (§ 41 Abs. 1 BbgHG) the contract will be limited, in case it is the first appointment of the successful applicant as university professor, with the possibility of tenure after 2 years. In case of successful tenure review, there is no further appointment procedure.

Potsdam University is an equal opportunity employer.

The University of Potsdam offers dual career support and coaching for newly-appointed professors: http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/neue-beschaeftigte/information-for-newly-appointed-professors.html

Publication:

Applications should be sent to University of Potsdam, Office of the President, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany, until 04.12.2013.