LMU Faculty for the Study of Culture Research Fellow Scholarship 2026

Biblia Arabica: Critical edition and comprehensive digital inventory of Arabic Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament manuscripts and their paratexts 

The primary aim of the project is to comprehensively explore the history of the Arabic translations of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament on the basis of their manuscript transmission. These translations represent an important cultural and religious monument to the productive coexistence of different religious communities, as well as a unique source for the textual history of the Bible. Preserving this cultural heritage is a central task of the project. It will be pursued through three core objectives: (1) a full cataloguing and analysis of the manuscript corpus; (2) a historical assessment of its exegetical, liturgical, and broader cultural functions; (3) the critical edition and English translation of selected versions of particular scholarly significance. These objectives correspond to three areas of work: (1) “Analysis”: digital cataloguing; (2) “Context”: study of historical and cultural usage; (3) “Reading”: preparation of digital text editions. Creating a comprehensive digital catalogue is a continuous task throughout the project. On a societal level, the project safeguards and documents the cultural heritage of Jewish and Christian communities in the Middle East. It explicitly aims to make this material digitally accessible, thereby enabling participation by the communities concerned as well as by a global audience.  We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to undertake a three-year PhD project focused on any group(s) of Arabic Bible translations of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Projects that address questions of canon formation are particularly welcome.

The principal investigator is Prof. Dr. Ronny Vollandt, and the position will be based at the Institute of Near and Middle Eastern Studies, Faculty of Cultural Studies, LMU Munich. Prof. Dr. Nathan Gibson (Goethe University Frankfurt) serves as co-PI. The project is funded by the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) and the Academy of Sciences and Literature, Mainz.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Independent research with the aim of obtaining a scientific qualification in form of a doctorate
• Completion of the accompanying curriculum (compulsory and elective courses)
• Acquisition of philological skills
• Acquisition of digital humanities skills
• Collaboration with the rest of the Biblia Arabica team on tasks or activities relevant to the dissertation topic (e.g., visits to manuscript archives, participation in workshops)

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLudwig Maximilians Universitat Munchen (LMU)
• City to studyBavaria
• School to studyLudwig Maximilians Universitat Munchen (LMU)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

LMU offer doctoral and postdoctoral positions for a fixed duration of 3 years. Remuneration is based on TV-L E13 (65%), provided that the relevant requirements are fulfilled.

The Project Biblia Arabica offers you the opportunity to work on a doctoral project and to participate in an innovative research network. Throughout your doctoral period, you will have the opportunity to acquire additional skills and take advantage of further training opportunities offered by LMU.

LMU offers all employees the following benefits, among others:

• Work-life balance:
  • Option of part-time work
  • Mobile working
  • Flexible working hours
• Training and continuing education program at all career levels

Applications from women are especially welcome.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Requirements

• Excellent academic qualifications (master's degree, diploma, teaching qualification)
• An independent, structured, and proactive approach to work
• Previous experience in working on the Arabic Bible.
• A willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Fluency in German and/or English

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your application including an informative cover letter, a short CV (max. two pages), a proposal for a dissertation project, and a representative excerpt from your most recent thesis (ca. 5.000 words) by 15th of January 2026 via e-mail to Prof Dr. Ronny Vollandt.
• If you have any questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Ronny Volland.

For more information, kindly visit LMU scholarship webpage.