Sophia University, Faculty of Liberal Arts

Open-rank position in Religious Studies

The Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sophia University, invites applications for an open-rank position in religious studies with a regional specialization in Asia (Assistant Professor is a five year tenure-track appointment, while appointments of Associate Professor and Professor are tenured).  Applications from candidates with a specialization in Japan and candidates with research interests relating to religion in the modern and contemporary eras are particularly welcome. While the focus of research interest is open, applications from candidates with interest in the following topics would be particularly welcome: globalization, environmental issues, Christianity in Asia, politics, economic development, and contemporary social and ethical issues. The ideal candidate should be willing and able to teach one course a year that is comparative in nature and engages a variety of religious traditions. The successful applicant will teach in the undergraduate Comparative Culture major, the undergraduate Core Program, and in the Graduate Program in Global Studies.

The successful candidate is expected to have research accomplishments, and a Ph.D. at the time the job offer is made. Teaching experience is preferred. The language of instruction is English, but competence in Japanese language or other Asian languages is desirable. The normal teaching load is four courses one year (2:2 load), and five courses the next year (2:3 load), on a two-year rotation. The appointment will be effective as early as April 1, 2014.

Sophia University, located in central Tokyo, was founded in 1913 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and is one of Japan’s leading private universities. The Faculty of Liberal Arts offers a comprehensive program in humanities, international business and economics, and social studies. In addition to our degree students, we annually welcome about 200 exchange students from leading universities overseas. We also staff the Graduate Program in Global Studies, which offers degrees in Global Studies, Japanese Studies, and International Business and Development Studies.

Applications should include a cover letter (outlining academic background, fieldwork and research interests, teaching abilities and an explanation of your interest in being at Sophia University); a detailed curriculum vitae; two publications (articles, book chapters, or dissertation chapters), the names and addresses of three referees; and course descriptions or syllabi the applicant would be prepared to teach.
Applications should be postmarked no later than September 30, 2013, and addressed to:

Professor Michio Hayashi , Dean
Faculty of Liberal Arts
Sophia University
7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-8554, JAPAN

For further information please contact:
Professor Tatsuo Murakami: muraka-t@sophia.ac.jp

Faculty of Liberal Arts: http://www.fla.sophia.ac.jp/
Graduate Program in Global Studies: http://grad.fla.sophia.ac.jp/