University of Chicago, Divinity School

Assistant Professor, Japanese Buddhism, Divinity School

The University of Chicago Divinity School invites applications for tenure-track position(s) at the rank of Assistant Professor from scholars whose work focuses on Japanese Buddhism, for an appointment date of July 1, 2023.  Salary is open, as are disciplinary specialization and era of research focus.

Applicants are expected to possess broad knowledge of the academic study of religion, as well as of the larger history of Buddhism as that pertains to Japanese traditions.  Applicants must have mastery of modern Japanese and at least one other Buddhist language (Korean, Kanbun Chinese, Sanskrit or Tibetan, for example). It is expected that candidates will be interested in and capable of engaging in interdisciplinary conversations with other scholars of religion in the Divinity School, and also with faculty in other fields within the University (e.g., Art History or East Asian Languages & Civilizations).  Interest in non-Buddhist Japanese cultural and religious traditions is also welcome.

The Divinity School is the graduate professional school for the academic study of religion at the University of Chicago, a private research university. Faculty in the School teach graduate students in its Ph.D., M.A., M.Div., and A.M.R.S. programs; and undergraduates in the College. Many members of the faculty hold associate appointments in humanities or social science departments and professional schools of the University. 

Candidates must hold the Ph.D. by the time of appointment. 

Review of applications will begin September 1, 2022, and will continue until the position(s) is/are filled or the search is closed.  Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vita, 3) a teaching statement, 4) syllabi of courses you have designed, if applicable, 5) course evaluations from the last three years, if available, 6) a statement articulating your future research agenda, 7) a writing sample of 25-40 pages, and 8) contact information so we may solicit three letters of recommendation through the Interfolio system.  Applications should be made online, at apply.interfolio.com/108464. If you have any questions, contact Sara Bigger at sfbigger@uchicago.edu.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.