Doctoral Position 100 %

SNF Consolidator Project “Ageing and Old Age in the 4th–6th Century Roman Empire: Religious, Legal, Social, and Physical Dimensions” (RomAge)

Start date: February 1, 2026, or by agreement
Duration: 4 years
Location: University of Bern (relocation to Bern is required)
Subproject Title
"Sociology of Ageing: Legal and Social Dimensions of Shifting Attitudes Toward Old Age"

The RomAge project investigates ageing as a multifaceted socio-cultural phenomenon in Late Antiquity, with particular focus on how the rise of Christianity transformed social norms and perceptions of old age. Inspired by contemporary social gerontology, the project explores ageing as a complex construct encompassing gender, class, and geo-ethnic identity.

RomAge examines how the Christian Church-through its legislation, ethical principles, and institutional influence-reshaped understandings of ageing across various social groups and regions of the Roman Empire.

• Conduct a comparative analysis of pre-Christian and Christian legal terminology related to ageing, with a focus on distinctions by gender and class.
• Select and examine relevant case studies.
• Investigate age-based legal restrictions in civil and ecclesiastical professions, including laws related to taxation, inheritance, estate management, philanthropy, and the establishment of elderly care institutions.
• Analyze Church legislation on elder care, concepts of widowhood, retirement practices, vows taken by the elderly, and the legal/social standing of the aged in both secular and ecclesiastical contexts.
• Study definitions of ageing and related career or retirement opportunities in Late Antiquity, with attention to the Church's influence on family structures and care facilities (gerocomeia).
• Contribute to the project's shared database: collecting, organizing, and uploading data in accordance with your research findings.
• Actively participate in the academic life of the RomAge team, including monthly seminars, internal discussions, workshops, and project-organized conferences.

• Master's degree in Classical Philology, Roman Law, History, Religious History, Theology, Archaeology, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in reading and interpreting Greek and Latin texts, especially legal and epigraphic sources.
• Demonstrated interest and previous research experience in Late Antique legislation and social history.
• Proficiency in German at C2 level, and excellent command of English.

• Opportunity to pursue a doctorate within a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the Faculty of Theology, University of Bern.
• Integration into the vibrant academic community of the RomAge project, with regular events, workshops, and collaborative opportunities.

• CV
• Motivation Letter
• Project Contribution Description: A short outline (max. 3 pages, including bibliography if applicable) detailing your proposed contribution to the subproject. This should include: Preliminary sources, Goals and objectives, Methodological approach, Explanation of how this position aligns with your academic and career goals

Please send your application documents electronically to: Prof. Dr. Anna Usacheva, E-Mail schreiben

Application deadline: October 15, 2025