University of British Columbia, Department of Asian Studies

Lecturer in Sanskrit

The Department of Asian Studies, at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus seeks to make a full-time appointment in the field of Sanskrit at the rank of Lecturer.

The full-time teaching load for a Lecturer in Arts is 24 credits per year with service assignments.  The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching Sanskrit language courses at the introductory and intermediate level, and undergraduate content courses, taught in English, on allied topics in South Asian humanities, culture, or religion.

This is a full-time position for an initial term of 3 years, including a probationary first year. Lecturer positions are appointments without review (i.e. non-tenure track), renewable for successive terms, subject to availability of funds and demonstration of excellence in teaching and service, in accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association.

Requirements include: Advanced linguistic proficiency in Sanskrit; a Ph.D. in Sanskrit, or a closely related field (ABDs are welcome to apply); evidence of substantial experience and excellent teaching ability in Sanskrit at the post-secondary level, preferably in North America; experience preparing teaching materials independently or collaboratively; and demonstrated ability to teach content courses in allied fields of South Asian cultural history, religions (including early Buddhism), philosophy, or Yoga studies.

Desirable qualifications include ability to teach advanced Sanskrit, and experience with program coordination and community outreach. We seek an exceptional teacher with experience in and/or promise for employing innovative pedagogies, such as community-based learning, flexible and/or online learning, and curriculum/program design. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an excellent record of teaching and service.

The application dossier should include: application letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement about your experience working with a diverse student body and your contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and the names and contact information for three confidential references.

Long-listed applicants will be asked to submit one sample teaching video, uploaded to YouTube (or equivalent platform) as an unlisted video, with links sent as part of their application submission. In addition, applicants should arrange three confidential letters of recommendation (preferably by language teaching professionals) that may be submitted upon request.

The deadline for receipt of complete applications is December 6, 2021. The anticipated start date of employment is July 1, 2022.

All application materials should be submitted electronically through the Department’s careers website,
https://asia.ubc.ca/department/careers/. Inquiries may be sent to asia.jobsearch@ubc.ca.

Other hiring information:

The starting salary for the position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Given the uncertainty caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must be prepared to conduct interviews remotely if circumstances require. A successful applicant may be asked to consider an offer containing a deadline without having been able to make an in-person visit to campus if travel and other restrictions are still in place.