Full Research Professor for Dialogic Theology

The Luxembourg School of Religion & Society

is hiring a 

Full Research Professor for Dialogic Theology 

The Luxembourg School of Religion & Society is a Research Center rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Living Tradition with an international network, affiliated to the University of Excellence of Bonn. The LSRS trains PhD students and post-docs. It gathers researchers from different faith traditions, worldviews, nationalities, and disciplines to work together in projects considering the interconnectedness of religion(s) & society(ies).

The ampersand in the name of the LSRS is the expression of this approach; the symbol is reminiscent of the Möbius strip and symbolizes the uninterrupted exchange between religion(s) and society(ies) on the one hand and between representatives of different disciplines, world views, and religions on the other.

The LSRS strives to contribute to understanding and embracing one’s religion or worldview in pluralist secularized societies and to societies’ cohesion. It complements the research and teaching activities that are often highly specialized in nature, as carried out at the various university faculties. It serves as a forum where the specialized knowledge of experts and the confessionalism of theological faculties converge on an international and interdisciplinary platform, facilitating dialogue and the emergence of new perspectives through the encounter of individual and collective insights, akin to the process observed in a laboratory.

As an affiliated institute at the University of Bonn, it complements the academic spectrum of the university with its own distinct expertise in an independent manner. 

The Research Professorship of Dialogic theology is assigned the following tasks:

• Active development a research project according to the mission of the LSRS, i.e., in the spirit of the “ampersand,”
• Co-leadership in the project “Trust & Society – The Global Network on Trust,”
• Collaboration with partner institutions, colleagues from different disciplines, and the members of the LSRS to dig into the interconnectedness of religion(s) & society(ies),
• Strong methodological reflection on dialogue in the practice of theology in the context of the Catholic Intellectual Living Tradition, with special regard to synodality. 

The professor will participate in the development of the LSRS’s international network and represent the LSRS in national and international settings. Teaching opportunities (bachelor and master level) are given in the context of the LSRS’s network. 

The LSRS looks for candidates who

• Have earned doctoral degrees both in Catholic Theology and in another Academic discipline,
• Have been granted their habilitation or can present equivalent achievements,
• Have an outstanding research profile, preferably in systematic or practical theology,
• Develop a creative approach to doing theology in new settings,
• Present a record of excellent publications demonstrating both a dialogic way of doing theology and a strong methodological reflection,
• Have international experience, and
• Have demonstrated their competencies
  • In successfully leading a team,
  • In supervising and guiding early career researchers,
  • Acquiring third-party funding,
  • In higher education didactics.

Candidates must be fluent in English; French and German will be considered as an additional asset. 

The professor must take up residence in Luxembourg. In cases where the professor does not speak French, he or she must learn the language within one year. The LSRS relies on intensive cooperation and therefore expects a high level of presence at the institute, as well as a cooperative and team-oriented way of working, strong communication skills, and the willingness to take on responsibility and actively develop further. 

The LSRS encourages qualified Catholic priests to apply for the position. 

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration depending on their eligibility. 

What we offer:

• Permanent position in a rank of Full Research Professor;
• Full time position (40hours/week);
• Flexible working hours, to be distributed throughout the working week and may sometimes involve working from home, and outside of normal office hours;
• Remuneration package based on experience and academic records;
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment with international travelling. 

Selection process:

Application period until December 31, 2024; interviews starting January 2025; start date September 2025. 

Applicants shall send their application with

• Their CV,
• A letter of motivation,
• The list of publications,
• A research plan,
• The copies of their diplomas

to the attention of Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean Ehret, Director, by e-mail until December 31, 2024, to the following address: rh@cj23.lu.