Visiting Assistant Professor, Religion

Mercer University • Macon, GA

21d • Onsite

About The Position

In cooperation with the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, the Columbus Roberts Department of Religion seeks to support emerging scholarship by taking applications for a two-year visiting position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion. We welcome candidates in religious studies in any area. Candidates must be able to teach at least one of our General Education courses (such as Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Abrahamic Religions, and/or Introduction to Islam), along with an upper-level course in their area of specialization. We welcome candidates who engage with any theoretical and/or methodological approach(es) within the academic study of religion. Responsibilities : Responsibilities include teaching 21 hours per academic year at the undergraduate level. At least fifteen of those hours will be in religion courses that fulfill a General Education requirement, and 3 hours will be in an upper-level religion class in one’s discipline. Depending on specialization and institutional need, there might be opportunity to teach in one of our cross-college courses, including, but not limited to, Integrative Studies, Great Books, or Women and Gender Studies. In addition, the candidate will participate in the collaborative work of the department. There may also be other opportunities for service to the college or university. Applicants will be expected to continue a research agenda. Candidates should be able to describe their interest in teaching within a Baptist heritage higher education institution, including research interests, publications, presentations or other professional activities related to the Baptist tradition. The successful candidate is expected to attend either the NABPR’s annual meeting in May or the NABPR meeting at the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature in November during each academic year. This position is contingent on external funding.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in Religion or a related area is required.
• Exceptional ABD candidates will be considered during the interview stage so long as the Ph.D. is completed by August 1, 2026.
• Candidates should submit an online application through Mercer’s career website and attach (1) cover letter that describes your interest in teaching within a Baptist heritage higher education institution, (2) current CV, (3) teaching dossier including a statement of teaching philosophy and teaching evaluations (if any), (4) a research agenda for the next two years, and (5) the names and contact information for three professional references.
• Finalists will send, upon request, unofficial graduate transcripts (redact any personal or private information including, but not limited to, social security number, birthdate, race, or gender, before submitting).
• The successful candidate must submit official transcripts prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include teaching 21 hours per academic year at the undergraduate level.
• At least fifteen of those hours will be in religion courses that fulfill a General Education requirement, and 3 hours will be in an upper-level religion class in one’s discipline.
• Depending on specialization and institutional need, there might be opportunity to teach in one of our cross-college courses, including, but not limited to, Integrative Studies, Great Books, or Women and Gender Studies.
• In addition, the candidate will participate in the collaborative work of the department.
• There may also be other opportunities for service to the college or university.
• Applicants will be expected to continue a research agenda.
• Candidates should be able to describe their interest in teaching within a Baptist heritage higher education institution, including research interests, publications, presentations or other professional activities related to the Baptist tradition.
• The successful candidate is expected to attend either the NABPR’s annual meeting in May or the NABPR meeting at the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature in November during each academic year.

Benefits

• Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions , tuition waivers , paid vacation and sick leave , technology discounts, s chedules that allow for work-life balance, and  so much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees