Research Assistant to the Berman Family Chair in Jewish Studies and Hebrew Bible

The Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures (CNRC) seeks a part-time, casual (0005) research assistant to the Berman Family Chair in Jewish Studies and Hebrew Bible. Duties include researching, editing, and drafting academic papers in the field of academic religious studies, with a particular focus on the literature of antiquity.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Hebrew Bible, or related field
• Excellent linguistic competence in classical Hebrew and classical Greek
• Expertise in textual-criticism (comparing the Hebrew Bible with the Septuagint)
• Competence in academic biblical studies (Pentateuchal theory/source criticism)
• Competence in the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Experience in researching and writing academic articles with record of publication
• Mastery of Society of Biblical Literature Handbook of Style and the Chicago Manual of Style

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competence in at least one other ancient Semitic language and/or Latin

The Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions & Cultures is devoted to the study of the interconnected cultures and languages of the ancient Mediterranean world, from the dawn of civilization in the Near East through Late Antiquity. We consider these societies and the literatures, religions and artifacts they produced as of interest in and of themselves, while recognizing that they are sources of many modern practices, ideologies and institutions. We also regard them as a reservoir of alternative modes of thought and community, and thus as a means of reflecting on the nature and problems of the modern world. We are committed to the study of antiquity because this contributes to understanding the present and preparing the future. To understand the intellectual and cultural heritage of antiquity, we study original sources in original languages with the modern critical approaches of our disciplines. Much of our work is accordingly literary, philological and historical in character. We also ask broader questions about ancient values, beliefs, and political and social structures, with particular attention to religious communities and convictions and their legacies.

Pay Range: $28 - $34/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

All applications must include the documents listed below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• CV
• Cover letter

Application deadline is 11:59PM on June 1st, 2026.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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