Michael Huffington Chair of Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Faculty of Theology and Religion in association with Merton College 

The Faculty of Theology and Religion intends to appoint to the Michael Huffington Chair of Eastern Orthodox Christianity with effect from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The person appointed to the Chair will be elected to a Fellowship at Merton College (but will not be a member of the Governing Body).

The Huffington Chair will be expected to play a central role in renewing and expanding the Faculty’s research and teaching in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing Oxford’s contribution to global scholarship, ecumenical dialogue, and public understanding of Orthodoxy. In particular, you will contribute to the Faculty’s capacity to engage with the public, ecclesial, and geopolitical significance of Orthodox Christianity, alongside rigorous historical and theological scholarship. You will also play a central role in the Faculty’s major externally funded initiatives in ecumenical relations, including providing academic leadership for the Michael Huffington Prize in Ecumenical Relations.

We are seeking a scholar who will provide world-leading research, teaching, supervision and academic leadership in the area of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Faculty would particularly welcome applications from candidates whose research is able to engage thoughtfully with present-day political, ecclesial, and social realities affecting Eastern Orthodoxy, including the ways in which Orthodox theology and tradition are drawn into contemporary political and geopolitical contexts. Such engagement may be pursued through a range of historical, theological, ethical, or interdisciplinary approaches. 

You will be a scholar of the highest international standing, with an outstanding record of research and publication, and demonstrable plans for an ongoing research agenda. You will have the ability to teach, guide, and inspire students and colleagues at all levels and to attract funding and manage funded projects. You will have a proven record of academic leadership and the development of a research field, and the ability to engage constructively with scholars and institutions across Christian traditions and disciplines, providing thought leadership within the academy and beyond in relation to the contemporary significance of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 23 March 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be made in strict confidence to Professor Mark Edwards, Chair of the Faculty of Theology and Religion (mark.edwards@chch.ox.ac.uk).

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