Position OverviewThe Department of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor with a concentration in Religious Ethics and Social Justice to begin 8/18/2023. This position is a full-time, academic-year appointment.

The Religious Studies department seeks a tenure-track, Assistant Professor in Religious Ethics and Social Justice. Areas of research specialty could include one or more of the following: African American religions; ethics and race in American Christianity; ethics and identity in American religions; Black religions in the Americas; African American religions and the construction of gender; race and religion; the intersection of religion, sexuality and gender; the intersection of religion, ethics and disability studies.

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $275 million of externally funded research annually).

KU has 21 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduate programs in public administration and special education. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.

KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community — a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

At the University of Kansas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty, and community. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
Job DescriptionPosition Overview continued:

The College emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global awareness, houses a vibrant university wide Honors Program that highlights undergraduate research and service activities, and has created strong affiliations with outstanding cross-disciplinary research centers. Faculty and academic staff have emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding on relationships with centers and entities including the Biodiversity Institute, Kansas Biological Survey, Kansas Geological Survey, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Life Span Institute, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum. These relationships have brought a broad range of disciplines together to pursue and conduct sponsored research and education at the international, national, state, regional and local levels, and have created employment structures in which faculty and academic staff share appointments to emphasize collaboration. College faculty and research staff are welcomed as members in all KU’s designated research centers and institutes. The College is home to internationally recognized scholars and scientists who brought in $44M in research funding in FY 2021, nearly 30% of the total funded research at KU Lawrence.

Job Duties:
Tenure track positions at the University of Kansas are 40/40/20 Teaching/Research/Service.

40% TEACHING
1) Teach undergraduate courses in Religious Studies. Load is 4 courses per academic year, a 2:2 load.
3) Hold regular office hours for students.
4) Participate in the academic advising of undergraduate students.
5) Mentor students in research.

40% RESEARCH
1) Maintain an active and productive research program.
2) Publish monograph for tenure.
3) Publish in peer reviewed journals and edited volumes.
4) Attend professional conferences.

20% SERVICE
1) Serve on committees at the departmental, College, and University levels as opportunities arise.
2) Participate in professional service.
3) Participate in broader interdisciplinary initiatives relating to ethics and social justice in the University and in the Lawrence community.
4) Participate in departmental meetings.Faculty Code
Faculty members are expected to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, currently viewable at: http://policy.ku.edu/FacultyCodeKULawrence/faculty-code-of-rights

Required QualificationsCandidates are expected to demonstrate the following qualifications in their applications:

1. Ph.D. or ABD in the field of Religious Ethics or related field, expected by the start date of appointment.
2. Competence in the field of religious ethics generally, including competence in diverse religious perspectives as evidenced by educational, teaching and research experience.
3. Capacity to teach courses on ethics at the undergraduate level including an introductory course as demonstrated by educational background and statement of teaching philosophy.
4. Evidence of teaching excellence provided in statement of teaching philosophy.
5. Knowledge of approaches and methods central to the academic study of religion as evidenced by educational experience and in statement of teaching philosophy.
6. A clear program of present and continuing research and publication provided in cover letter and other application materials.
7. Commitment to the value of diversity in the academic community as described in DEI statement.

Additional Candidate InstructionsFor complete information and to apply, go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/23374BR. A complete application file will include a (1) cover letter which summarizes the candidate’s existing research, future research goals, and teaching experience and interests; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) research agenda; (4) teaching philosophy statement; and (5) the names, emails and contact information for 3 professional references. Please have your three confidential letters of reference sent by separate email to hrm-concierge@ku.edu.

In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant's contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU's mission. As a result, applicants should include a response to the following question as part of their application material:

• Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Applicants are also encouraged to include or expand upon how they have contributed to building a culture of belonging through DEI initiatives within the required application materials provided.

Application review will begin October 15, 2022 and will continue through December 4, 2022. Preliminary interviews with select candidates will be held via Zoom.
Contact Information to ApplicantsProfessor William Lindsey
785-864-5582
brl@ku.edu Application Review Begins15-Oct-2022 Anticipated Start Date18-Aug-2023