Professor of Old Testament

The Protestant Theological University (PThU) is committed to the study of the Old Testament through its primary sources, in their original languages, and within the wider context of literature from the Ancient Near East. For this reason, we are seeking to appoint a Professor of Old Testament (1.0 FTE).

About the role

The Chair in Old Testament at the PThU is part of the Old Testament and Jewish Studies Chair Group. The Chair of OT focuses on the exegesis of the Hebrew Bible in all its aspects, including its Ancient Near Eastern context, early translations, apocrypha, and the history of interpretation. There is also close collaboration with the New Testament and Church History Chair Group.

The PThU is committed to studying the Old Testament through its primary sources, in their original languages, and within the wider context of literature from Ancient Near Eastern. This focus stems from the conviction that studying the context of the Old Testament sheds new light on the biblical texts themselves and that this study has consequences for the description of Old Testament theology and hermeneutics. This approach to the Old Testament in its Ancient Near Eastern context is open and academic, grounded in the conviction that this best serves theology, church and society.

The PThU understands theology as an academic discipline aimed at understanding and renewing the Christian tradition as it is reflected in its sources, beliefs and practices. At the PThU work, researchers work on methodological innovation with the aim of strengthening both the internal coherence and the external relevance of theology. All staff members are expected to contribute actively to this development. In line with this, research and teaching at the PThU increasingly adopts multidisciplinary perspectives.

What will you do?

• Provide and coordinate disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching (bachelor’s, master’s, continuing education) in the field of the Old Testament, including Semitic languages.
• Conduct research on (an aspect of) the Old Testament and participate actively in one of the major interdisciplinary flagship projects of the PThU.
• Coach junior colleagues in their career development and supervise PhD candidates.
• Acquire external research funding together with colleagues.
• Be active in national and international academic networks.
• Maintain contact with relevant societal partners and contribute to ecclesial and societal service.

What do we ask of you?

• A doctorate and ongoing specialisation in the field of Old Testament studies.
• Excellent knowledge of the biblical languages (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic) and at least one additional ancient Semitic language.
• A broad profile in Biblical Studies and the languages and cultures of the Bible and the Ancient Near East.
• Outstanding research qualifications, demonstrated by international publications in Old Testament studies and proven contributions to national and international networks.
• The ability to collaborate and relate your own research to the work of other scholars.
• An inspiring, innovative vision on the place of Old Testament studies within theology in dialogue with other disciplines.
• Demonstrable leadership qualities and preferably administrative experience.
• Good teaching qualities, a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) and preferably a Senior Teaching Qualification (SKO), with extensive experience in and positive evaluations of academic teaching.
• Strong coaching skills, shown in successful supervision of doctoral students.
• Excellent communication skills with students, colleagues and external partners.
• Sensitivity to the plurality and diversity of the PThU’s academic community, and the ability to navigate this constructively.
• Knowledge of and affinity with the Dutch theological, ecclesial and cultural context.
• Confessing membership of, and preferably several years of ministerial experience in, a Protestant church, preferably within the Protestant Church in the Netherlands.
• Excellent oral and written command of English.
• Command of Dutch at level C1, or willingness to reach this level within two years and to use Dutch in teaching.

What do we offer?

The PThU offers excellent employment conditions with attention to flexibility and (personal) development. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities applies. You will initially receive a temporary appointment as professor; upon good performance, this may be converted into a permanent contract.

Salary, depending on experience at the start of employment: € 7,202 to € 10,441 gross per month based on full-time employment (scale H2, Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities/PThU). Holiday allowance is 8% and the year-end bonus 8.3%. There is a generous contribution to the ABP pension scheme, ample training opportunities, reimbursement of commuting costs, and possibilities for tax-efficient exchange of employment conditions, including a bicycle scheme. A relocation allowance is available, and international staff may, under certain conditions, benefit from the Dutch expat tax arrangement.

About the PThU

The Protestant Theological University (PThU) is a theological university dedicated to the understanding and renewal of the Christian tradition for the benefit of church, academy and society. We offer (post-)academic education for theological professionals, societal and ecclesial organisations, and other interested parties. We train ministers for the Protestant Church in the Netherlands and research developments in faith, church and world Christianity. Together with staff, students and alumni, we form a close-knit academic community.

More information

See www.pthu.nl for more information about our organisation. The PThU’s mission, vision and strategic aims for 2021–2026 are available in our Institutional Plan: https://www.pthu.nl/over-pthu/organisatie/missie-en-visie/ (Dutch only). On request, several internal policy documents related to the university’s research foci are available to candidates.

For questions about the position, contact Prof. Dr Lieve Teugels, Chair of Old Testament and Jewish Studies, at gmgteugels@pthu.nl or +31 (0)6 24 363 493. For questions about the procedure or employment conditions, contact Hans Sprong, HR business partner, via sollicitatie@pthu.nl or +31 (0)6 36 454 130. A detailed profile description can be requested from him.

Applying

Please send your written application no later than Monday 12 January 2026 to sollicitatie@pthu.nl, or upload it via the Apply button. Address your cover letter to Prof Dr M.T. Frederiks, Chair of the Appointment Advisory Committee.

Please include with your letter:

• your curriculum vitae
• a list of publications
• an overview of the teaching you have provided, including evaluations
• a vision document (approx. two pages) in which you outline, in an engaging manner and in line with the PThU’s mission, your research plans for the next three years, including your strategy for obtaining external funding

You may upload a maximum of two documents in the web portal; combine your CV and attachments into one document if necessary.

Procedure

First-round interviews will take place on 28 January 2026. The second round will be held on 12 February 2026, and will include a mini-lecture. The procedure includes a request for approval of the appointment from the Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. An assessment may form part of the process.