Open rank professorship in Latin literature at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

The Institute of Classical Philology at the University of Bern invites applications for an open-rank full-time position as Professor for Latin beginning in February 2026 or the earliest convenient date (successor of Prof. Dr. Gerlinde Huber-Rebenich).

The Institute seeks applicants with proven international experience in research and teaching. The successful candidate covers the entire field of Latin philology, ideally with a research focus in classical Latin literature. In addition, familiarity with medieval or contemporary (or both) studies is desirable. Research collaboration within the Institute and the new Department of Classics is expected. Responsibilities include participation in the cantonal High School committee on Latin and maintaining relations with the regional Gymnasia that teach Latin.  

Depending on qualifications, the position will be filled at the level of assistant professor, associate professor or full professor. Requirements for an associate or full professor include a Habilitation (or equivalent). Requirements for an assistant professor with tenure track include a Habilitation (or equivalent) in progress. A candidate who cannot yet teach and advise in German, must acquire the necessary language competence in no more than two years after taking up the position.

In accordance with the diversity and equal opportunity goals of the University, the Institute is committed to increase the share of women in academic positions and therefore encourage women to apply. Applicants are also invited to submit plans for job-sharing and dual careers. The University encourages applications from people with disabilities, People of Color, and people who in the Swiss context belong to ethnic minorities.

Start Date: February 1st, 2026

Employer: University of Bern, Faculty of Humanities

 

Position: Full time

 

Location: Bern

 

Application deadline: June 30, 2025

 

Application procedure:

• Please fill in and submit the application form: https://www.philhist.unibe.ch/about_us/now_happening/ausschreibung_latinistik/index_eng.html

 

• Please send your application in a single PDF file to jenny.preiss[at]unibe.ch: Application should include a cover letter, CV, a list of publications, a list of courses taught, teaching evaluations, teaching and research statement, a list of grants and stipends, and academic committee experience.

 

If you have questions, please direct your enquiries to: jenny.preiss[at]unibe.ch

Petition against the reform of the secondary school curriculum in Geneva

A petition is currently circulating in Switzerland, to encourage the Department of Public Education (DIP) in the canton of Geneva to reconsider its plans for the upcoming reform of Swiss secondary school curricula. If the reform goes ahead as currently planned, it will have a profound impact on the humanities. For example, students will be required to choose between Latin and English, which will undoubtedly be to the detriment of Latin. Furthermore, other optional subjects, such as Ancient Greek, which are already marginalised, will be limited to two years of teaching for students who do choose to study them.

 

It is clear that this proposed reform poses a danger to our disciplines: fewer and fewer students will opt to study Greek or Latin, and those who do will likely not receive the preparation required to pursue their studies at university level.

 

More details on this reform and its consequences can be found here, and the petition itself here. As all petitions in the Canton of Geneva must be posted, it is necessary to print, sign and scan the document, then email it to valeria.lovato[at]unige.ch by June 2nd 2025.