McGill University, School of Religious Studies

Assistant Professor

Tenure-Track Faculty Position
Open to rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor

Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in African Religions

Faculty: Arts
Department/School: School of Religious Studies

The Canada Research Chair is also open to internal candidates who already hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at McGill University.

Position Description
The School of Religious Studies at McGill University (Montreal, Canada) invites applications for a tenure-track position in African Religions, at the rank of Assistant Professor (in exceptional cases, appointments at the Associate Professor level may be considered). The position carries with it with it the possibility of a Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 2) for qualified candidates. Candidates must demonstrate a strong research record and teaching potential.

We welcome candidates whose work demonstrates a distinct research and teaching interest in Indigenous or African Traditional Religions, as well as strong competence in one of the major expressions of religion within modern Sub-Saharan Africa, such as African Christianity or Islam. Scholars with a variety of methodological commitments and areas of specialization relevant to the study of African religious cultures, theologies, and spiritualities, are encouraged to apply. We are especially interested in applications from scholars with research and teaching foci in Sub-Saharan regions of Africa, and in transregional perspectives.

The successful candidate’s profile should demonstrate expertise in addressing issues and debates in contemporary contexts, broadly defined, and an ability to situate current developments in their wider historical, cultural, inter-religious, and religious contexts. Applicants should also show promise or proven ability of interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars in other fields, as well as interest in exploring lines of cooperation with, e.g., the African Studies Program, the Institute of Islamic Studies, and the Institute for the Study of International Development. We seek a dynamic colleague capable of spearheading research in this field and developing a suite of core courses in African Religions for undergraduate and graduate students. A PhD in Religious Studies or cognate field, and teaching experience, are preferred.

The successful candidate that satisfies the eligibility conditions of the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program may be supported by the University for nomination to a Tier 2 Chair in African Religions. Candidates for the CRC will be assessed based on demonstrated evidence of already accomplished and outstanding original research, and a clear potential to develop into a leader in their field.

Eligible Tier 2 Chair candidates will normally have received their highest degree within the last 10 years. A researcher who is more than 10 years post-highest degree may be considered for a Tier 2 CRC where they have experienced career interruptions due, for example, to maternity or parental leave, extended medical leave, clinical training, or family care responsibilities: http://www.chairs- chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s3

Eligibility conditions for CRCs are on the CRC Program website: http://www.chairs- chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s2

Position Duties
The successful candidate will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, develop courses at all levels in their areas of specialization, supervise and mentor graduate students, and contribute to the intellectual life of the university.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in hand at the time of appointment or be within a year of completion (in which case, a deferred starting date can be arranged). The appointment is anticipated to begin on 1 August 2024.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in English, thereby requiring strong English communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Candidates who do not satisfy the CRC eligibility criteria for a Tier 2 Chair are nonetheless invited to apply for the position.

JOB DETAILS
Job Type: Tenure-track
Rank: Assistant Professor or Associate Professor
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Application Deadline: October 16, 2023

Required Documents
• A cover letter and curriculum vitae
• A statement of research
• Three letters of recommendation. For Tier 2 nominees at the rank of Assistant Professor who are within three years of their PhD, one referee must be the PhD supervisor. (Once your application materials have been submitted, you will be notified via Workday to provide the contact information for three referees. These referees will then be contacted by Workday to upload their reference letters.)
• One writing sample
• Sample course syllabi
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., teaching evaluations, if available)

All materials should be submitted here:  https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/McGill_Careers/job/Birks-Building/Assistant-Professor_JR0000044393

For internal applicants only: Supporting documents include a recent curriculum vitae and a statement of research aligned with the designated subject area for the Chair.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.