Assistant Professor of Religious Studies: Philip and Muriel Berman Scholar of Jewish Studies

Lafayette College•Easton, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Religious Studies at Lafayette College invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in the study of Judaism at the rank of assistant professor, beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will be named the Philip and Muriel Berman Scholar of Jewish Studies and will support the study of Jews, Judaism, and Jewishness in partnership with Lafayette’s interdisciplinary Jewish Studies Program and the Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies. We seek a dynamic scholar whose teaching and research engage Judaism in its historical, cultural, and intellectual diversity, and who situates that work within the broader theoretical and methodological frameworks of Religious Studies. We especially welcome candidates whose scholarship is interdisciplinary, intersecting with fields such as environment and sustainability, digital media and technology, religion and nationalism, materiality and the body, and gender and sexuality. The successful candidate will teach introductory Religious Studies courses and courses in their specialization and will demonstrate the ability to contribute to Jewish Studies and other college interdisciplinary programs. The teaching load is four courses per year in the first year, and five courses per year thereafter. We seek a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, an interest in developing a broad range of courses beyond their specific research area, and enthusiasm for program-building, while also contributing to Lafayette’s commitment to a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Located in the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania, 70 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia, Lafayette College is a small, private, undergraduate-only liberal arts and engineering institution with significant resources to support faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. The College is committed to fostering a learning community grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and intellectual engagement. In keeping with its mission, Lafayette provides an educational environment that promotes critical inquiry, personal growth, and responsible citizenship. Faculty, students, and staff share responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. Lafayette is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Requirements

Ph.D. in a relevant field or plan to complete all requirements for a Ph.D. before August 15, 2027.
Strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.
Enthusiasm for program-building.
Contribute to Lafayette’s commitment to a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community.

Nice To Haves

Scholarship is interdisciplinary, intersecting with fields such as environment and sustainability, digital media and technology, religion and nationalism, materiality and the body, and gender and sexuality.