University of Saskatchewan, Department of Religion and Culture

Instructor, South / Southeast Asian Buddhism

The Department of Religion and Culture in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a term appointment at the rank of Instructor with specialization of South / Southeast Asian Buddhism.  The term appointment will be made for the academic year 2012-2013, teaching commencing September 1, 2012.  The successful candidate should have significant graduate level training in a broad Religious Studies/Asian Studies Program or its equivalent with a primary specialization in South and Southeast Asian Buddhism.  Secondary competence in philosophical traditions of India with special interest in Buddhist Ethics is required.  Interest in Eastern Philosophical approaches to language and theory and practice of linguistics will be an asset.  The ideal candidate will be expected to meet the following stipulations: 

1. to possess extensive knowledge of the cultural, historical, and philosophical developments of Buddhism and other Indian religions across South / Southeast Asia;
2. to have competence in the primary source (Pali / Sanskrit) and vernacular (Sinhala, Burmese, Thai, Lao, Cambodian or Tibetan) languages as appropriate to specific research interest to discern mutual influences between these languages and Buddhism in shaping respective Buddhist cultures in South / Southeast Asia;
3. to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cross-cultural development of Buddhism in South / Southeast Asia along with recent reconfiguration of Buddhism within Buddhist diasporic communities in North America.

Candidates with completed Ph.D. with research potential and significant teaching experience will be preferred.  Ph.D. candidates at the ABD level may be considered.  In light of the Department’s commitment to innovative and interdisciplinary inquiry, we especially invite candidates whose teaching and research attracts students in the departments of Languages and Linguistics, Philosophy, and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Culture and Creativity (ICCC) in the Division of Humanities.

The responsibilities of the position include teaching both introductory and advanced classes in the areas of South / Southeast Asian Religions, World Religions, theoretical and methodological issues in Religious Studies.  Normal teaching load for the successful candidate will be a total of 18 credit units.   The successful candidate should expect to mentor graduate students in the area of South / Southeast Asian Buddhism.

The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities.  The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of about 20,000.  The university is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.

The College of Arts & Science offers a dynamic combination of programs in the humanities and fine arts, the social sciences and the sciences.  There are over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the College and 325 faculty, including 12 Canada Research Chairs.  The College emphasizes student and faculty research, interdisciplinary programs, community outreach and international opportunities.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity.  Members of designated groups (women, people with aboriginal ancestry, people with disabilities and visible minorities) are encouraged to self-identify in their applications.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and permanent residents will be given priority, 

Interested candidates should apply preferably by July 26, 2012 with a complete dossier including CV, a statement of teaching and research interests, peer and student evaluations of teaching if available, three letters of reference, some examples of publications, etc. and other pertinent information to: