Postdoc in Ancient History / Religion and Social Cohesion in Classical Athens or the Roman East University of Oxford in United Kingdom

Somerville College, University of Oxford, is advertising a Junior Research Fellowship in Ancient History / postdoctoral research position linked to the Einstein Foundation Berlin project (Re)Negotiating Social Cohesion – Religion and Community in Antiquity (800 BCE–400 CE).

The project examines the ambivalent role of religion in social cohesion across Graeco-Roman antiquity, with comparative work on Classical Athens, the Roman Republic, Alexandria, the Hellenistic world, late antique cities, and the Roman East. The advertised post is specifically for a researcher whose work fits either Classical Athens or the cities of the Roman East in the first two centuries CE.

This is a postdoctoral opportunity in Ancient History with strong interdisciplinary relevance to religious studies and the study of social integration, conflict, identity, and community formation in antiquity. The postholder will be based at Somerville College and will contribute to the wider academic mission of the research group.

Funding and benefits: the post includes full dining rights and a research allowance of £1,000 per year. The post is not described as a scholarship and no tuition funding is mentioned.

Eligibility and duties: applicants should be highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researchers. The Fellow is expected to devote themselves to research, provide an annual report, and reside in Oxford during Full Term unless otherwise approved. Teaching is not required, though it may be requested for extra payment.

Deadline: completed applications are due by 14 May 2026 (noon UK time / GMT).

How to apply: read the further particulars, prepare the required application materials, and submit through the Somerville College recruitment portal before the deadline. Informal enquiries can be sent to [email protected].