UT Austin - Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religion, Healing, and Magic in Late Antiquity
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Texas at Austin seeks to appoint in Fall 2026 a two-year postdoctoral fellow affiliated with the Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins (ISAC). We seek early career scholars with a specialization in Religion, Healing, and Magic in Late Antiquity. The fellow may have expertise in Ancient Christianity, Ancient Judaism, or Greco-Roman Religions, and may work from any relevant methodological approach. Their focus may include topics such as: alchemy; altered states of consciousness; anatomical votives; curses; demonology and spirit possession; disability; divinatory practices and ritual expertise; epidemiology; exorcism; dietary practices and fasting; gynecology and obstetrics; healers and physicians; healing sanctuaries, hospitals, and other spaces of healing; Hermetic traditions; Hippocratic traditions; magical bowls and incantations; medical philosophy and education; mental health and “madness”; pain management; pediatrics; pharmacology; prosthetics; and sexual health.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field with a specialization in the area of Ancient Mediterranean Religions. ABD applicants must receive the Ph.D. before the appointment begins in August 2026. Ph.D. must have been received no more than three years prior to the start date. Besides a competitive stipend, this position includes support for relocation, research expenses, and organizing a research symposium or conference.
Review of applications will begin Oct. 31, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Purpose
To conduct postdoctoral research in the field of religion, healing, and magic in Late Antiquity.
Responsibilities:
Perform research on topics related to religion, healing, and magic in Late Antiquity with the intent to publish
Teach three courses over two years, with the possible option of one course being a graduate seminar.
Organize and execute an interdisciplinary conference or research symposium on campus that involves collaboration with other programs and units on campus, such as the Humanities, Health & Medicine Program, the Dell Medical School, and the College of Natural Sciences
Present at a departmental colloquium
Participate in departmental grant-writing efforts
Participate in department and university intellectual communities and programs concerning Ancient Mediterranean Religions
Required Qualifications:
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field in the area of Ancient Mediterranean Religions by the time of appointment. Ph.D. must have been received no more than three years prior to the start date.
Required Materials:
CV
The names of 3 academic references with their contact information
Letter of interest
A brief writing sample (no more than 12,000 words)
A syllabus for an undergraduate course