Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, AGF

University of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s Department of Religious Studies invites applications for a 3-year Assistant Professorship in Hinduism and Buddhism. This is a non-renewable, non-tenure track appointment in the academic general faculty (teaching) track. The position requires the ability to teach courses in Hinduism and Buddhism across any historical period(s), with expertise in other Indian religious traditions also welcomed. The successful applicant will contribute courses to both the Religious Studies curriculum and the College of Arts & Sciences Engagements program. The Engagements program is a key part of the College of Arts & Sciences’ general education curriculum, providing first-year students with an introduction to essential ways of thinking across the arts, sciences, and humanities. Through focused, two-credit, half-semester seminars organized around four pillars—Engaging Aesthetics, Empirical & Scientific Engagement, Engaging Differences, and Ethical Engagement—students develop skills in asking meaningful questions, analyzing evidence, engaging diverse perspectives, and exploring ethical dimensions. The content of these courses can align with the candidate’s academic specialization. Faculty in these hybrid roles are based in a home department and also serve as College Fellows, joining a cross-disciplinary cohort that shapes the first-year academic experience. Fellows design and teach a repeating 7-week course in the Engagements curriculum and participate in regular program meetings and professional development. The successful candidate will also advise approximately 35 undergraduate students, with a one-course reduction in teaching load every other fall semester in recognition of these advising responsibilities. In Religious Studies, the candidate will offer three (3) courses per year, with a demonstrated capacity to offer introductory courses in Hinduism and Buddhism being essential.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant academic field by the time of appointment.
• Ability to teach courses in Hinduism and Buddhism, in any historical period(s).
• Capacity to offer introductory courses in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in other Indian religious traditions is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Hinduism and Buddhism, in any historical period(s).
• Contribute courses to the Religious Studies curriculum.
• Contribute courses to the College of Arts & Sciences Engagements program.
• Design and teach a repeating 7-week course in the Engagements curriculum.
• Participate in regular program meetings and professional development for the Engagements program.
• Advise approximately 35 undergraduate students.
• Offer three (3) courses per year in the Religious Studies department according to curricular needs.
• Offer introductory courses in Hinduism and Buddhism.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees