Lehigh University, Religion Studies

Associate or Full Professor, medieval or modern Judaism, and Director of Berman Center for Jewish Studies

Philip and Muriel Berman Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of the Berman Center for Jewish Studies

The Department of Religion Studies is inviting applications from distinguished teacher scholars to fill the position of Philip and Muriel Berman Professor of Jewish Studies at Lehigh University. This is a tenured position in the department at the rank of associate or full professor.  The holder of the Berman Chair will also serve as the Director of the Berman Center for Jewish Studies, appointed for a three year term with the possibility of renewal.

The successful applicant will have a strong record of publication that establishes expertise in the study of Judaism focusing on any period from the middle ages to the present. Methodological and theoretical approaches are open. In addition to working in an area of specialization, this individual must also teach general courses in Jewish and religion studies.

Established nearly 30 years ago, the Berman Center, with its sponsorship of lectures, seminars, conferences and publications, has effectively promoted Lehigh’s national and international  scholarly reputation. The successful candidate will display the imagination, energy and administrative skill essential for maintaining the Center’s proud tradition and developing it in new ways. That individual will also be responsible for oversight of the Jewish Studies program at Lehigh, for managing its curriculum and advising its students. The Berman Center Director will be expected to work in cooperation with the directors of other related centers and programs at Lehigh, most notably, the Humanities Center, programs in Africana, Global, and Women’s Studies, and the Center for Global Islamic Studies. That individual will also work in synergy with the other two Berman chair-holders, one in our department and one at nearby Lafayette College.

The College of Arts and Science at Lehigh is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and curriculum. Candidates who contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Lehigh University is an AA/EOE and it provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits (For more information consult http://www.lehigh.edu/~inprv/faculty/worklifebalance.html.)