Assistant Professor of Asian Religions

LAKE FOREST COLLEGE, Department of Religion, invites applications for a TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR position in ASIAN RELIGIONS to begin August 2020. We seek a highly qualified teacher-scholar to teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses on the Asian religious traditions, and thematic or comparative courses relevant to the candidate’s interests. We seek a candidate with the interest and ability to offer a broad array of courses. Recognizing that many of our students double major in the sciences or are interested in pursuing careers in business, the successful applicant will be able to offer courses attracting such students. The successful applicant will also contribute to the Asian Studies program.

Successful applicants will hold a Ph.D. by date of hire in the discipline of Religious Studies or a related field, along with demonstrated ability to teach in the field of religious studies and Asian religious traditions. Applicants should expect to teach three undergraduate courses per semester and carry out an active program of research.  Classes are small (typically 15-30 students).  Funding is available for student research assistants and summer research; and assistant professors who pass third-year review are granted a half-year sabbatical at full pay in their fourth or fifth years of employment.  Tenure review takes place in the sixth year, and requires excellence in teaching as well as peer-reviewed scholarship and service.

A highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore, Lake Forest College enrolls approximately 1,600 students from more than 40 states and from more than 70 countries. Lake Forest is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with nearly 40% of our student body comprised of domestic minority and international students. At Lake Forest College, the quality of a faculty member’s teaching is the most important criterion for evaluation. The College also expects peer-reviewed publications and active participation in the College community. Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Candidates should submit: 1) a cover letter addressing teaching philosophy, research interests, and ability to work with and support a diverse student body in a liberal arts environment, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) two sample syllabi, and if available teaching evaluations (unofficial copies acceptable), 4) sample of written scholarship, and 5) three confidential reference letters to be sent directly from recommenders or a portfolio service. All documents should be sent electronically to Prof. Ben Zeller, religionsearch@lakeforest.edu. Review of applications will begin October 10, 2019. Preliminary interviews will be held either at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting in November 2019 in San Diego, or at a candidate’s request by Skype.