Faculty Assistant Professor, African Diasporic Religious Thought and Traditions
The Department of Religion at Rice University invites applications for an Assistant Professor (TT) in African Diasporic Religious Thought and Traditions. This new colleague will help improve the linkages between African Religious Studies and African American Religious Studies by filling historical, geographical, and theoretical gaps in our research and course offerings. Mindful of the expansive nature of the African Diasporic context, focuses on geographic area and religious tradition(s) are open, though applicants should be prepared to teach courses that reflect cultural and social diversity as well as methods in the study of religion that enhance the department’s attention to Houston’s location as a gateway city to the Americas. The department is interested in applicants with substantive theoretical training and interests, whose research will enhance the department’s scholarly range. This could include teaching one of the two required methods seminars for PhD studies. Excellence in teaching and research is expected.
Rice is committed to diversity and inclusion, and women and historically underrepresented minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
While the position is in the Department of Religion, the successful candidate will have opportunity for involvement with the Center for African and African American Studies as well as the new Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies. The successful candidate will work closely with undergraduates and Ph.D. students, and there is also the option of working within the MA program. The 2/2 teaching load includes instruction in both the undergraduate and graduate curricula. The University expects faculty members to maintain an active program of scholarly research and publication and to contribute service to the Department, University, and profession.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field by July 1, 2025. We will begin reviewing applications on October 15, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom or Teams in November. Application materials must include a letter of application, CV, teaching statement, three letters of recommendation, a diversity statement, and a writing sample of approximately 15-20 pages. Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio. Finalists will also be asked for teaching evaluations (if available).
Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic museum district and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. The fourth largest and most diverse city in the United States, Houston provides an opportunity for scholars to collaborate with area universities, museums, the Texas Medical Center, and civic organizations, and to engage with the broader metropolitan community. Rice University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of over 4,000 undergraduates and a nearly equal number of graduate students. Its hallmarks include a very high level of research activity and intellectual innovation and a commitment to diversity at all levels. The department has close working relationships with other departments in the School of Humanities and is also involved in a range of interdisciplinary centers, such as the Center for African and African American Studies; Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies, and the Center for the Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality. General information about the Department of Religion can be found at https://reli.rice.edu.
To apply, please visit https://apply.interfolio.com/152980
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
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