Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies

Details•San Diego, CA

23h•$7,000 - $7,333

About The Position

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego announces a tenure-track position in Religious Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2026. Area of specialization is environmental ethics and religion, approached comparatively across religious and spiritual traditions. The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate active engagement in broader conversations surrounding theory and method in the study of religion and ecology through their teaching and scholarship. Candidates with sub-specializations in Catholic mysticism, spiritual ecology, ecojustice, and Taylor’s conception of dark green religion will be prioritized. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence in their scholarship is preferred. The position carries a 3-3 teaching load. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory courses that meet the learning outcomes for USD’s theological and religious inquiry core requirement (including THRS 110: Exploring Religious Meaning) as well as upper-division courses in the area(s) of specialization (including THRS 338: Faith and Environmental Justice). Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate teaching effectiveness in writing-intensive courses at the undergraduate level and who can demonstrate prior success in teaching courses designed to foster critical self-reflection on power and privilege.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD or its equivalent by the time of the appointment, September 2026.
Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, an active scholarly agenda, and commitment to collaborative leadership are required.
Qualified candidates will have at least three years of full-time in-person undergraduate teaching experience.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with sub-specializations in Catholic mysticism, spiritual ecology, ecojustice, and Taylor’s conception of dark green religion will be prioritized.
Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence in their scholarship is preferred.
Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate teaching effectiveness in writing-intensive courses at the undergraduate level and who can demonstrate prior success in teaching courses designed to foster critical self-reflection on power and privilege.

Responsibilities

Teaching introductory courses that meet the learning outcomes for USD’s theological and religious inquiry core requirement (including THRS 110: Exploring Religious Meaning)
Teaching upper-division courses in the area(s) of specialization (including THRS 338: Faith and Environmental Justice)