Assistant Professor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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UNC's Department of Religious Studies is dedicated to the study of religions as historical and cultural phenomena. We take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding religious traditions from around the world: their history, sacred texts, beliefs, rituals, and institutions. At present, the faculty conduct research and teach courses in a number of traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Afro-diasporic, and Indigenous religions. They analyze religious life from the ancient and modern world, from ancient Sumer to present-day Senegal, from early modern Europe to 21st-century South Asia, and from medieval Japan to contemporary America. Because religious pluralism plays an important role in teaching the value of diversity, the Department is committed to bringing a broad range of perspectives into the study of religion. UNC offers B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs in Religious Studies; undergraduate minors in Religious Studies, Christianity and Culture, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and Jewish Studies; an honors program for undergraduate majors; as well as frequent public lectures and continuing education seminars that advance the academic study of religion.

The Department of Religious Studies is recruiting for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Religion and Science. Candidates should have broad training in their field of expertise, a commitment to interdisciplinary work, and a strong interest in engaging with theoretical issues in the study of religion, including critical scholarship on religion and science. They should also demonstrate clear evidence of their commitment to research and teaching, as well as their interest in mentoring students and participating in departmental life and service. The successful candidate will be expected to teach various undergraduate and graduate courses (including introductory and upper-level courses in religion and science) and contribute to the Religions and Culture concentration. They should complement the existing expertise of our current faculty, and their work should align with our departmental mission as outlined on our website (https:// religion.unc.edu/about/mission-and-values/).

Ph.D. or its academic equivalent in religious studies or a related field.

Preference will be given to scholars whose work interrogates the construction of 'religion' and 'science' as social formations and categories of analysis either within or beyond Western paradigms. This includes scholars whose work engages history of science, science studies, and the social implications of scientific and technological developments (e.g. medicine, the environment, new information technologies, or artificial intelligence) considered in relation to religion, broadly construed.

Three reference letters may be submitted by uploading to the UNC jobs website, Interfolio or emailed to tcave@unc.edu. Letter writers will not be notified until the application is fully submitted. A fourth signed letter may be requested later during the review process. A writing sample, a research statement, and a teaching philosophy/statement are required. Teaching evaluations are optional.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.