POSITION OVERVIEW
Position title: Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies and South Asian ReligionsAPPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: November 2, 2022
Next review date: Thursday, Dec 15, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Jun 30, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for an open rank position to fill the Bhagvan Vimalnath Endowed Chair in Jain Studies and South Asian Religions. We seek a rigorous and imaginative specialist in Jain Studies and South Asian Religions with a wide range of knowledge of Jain philosophy, religion, history, and culture who will complement and enhance our research and teaching strengths as one of the preeminent programs in South Asian Religions in the country. Research foci may include but are not limited to: sex, gender, and bodily identities; subject formations and transformations; somatic disciplines and dietary regimens; and social and environmental ethics based on the principle of nonviolence.
The holder of the Endowed Chair will be expected to develop a range of undergraduate and graduate courses exploring the intersections of Jain traditions with Hindu traditions and Buddhist traditions, to contribute to our curricular offerings in Sanskrit language and literature, and to teach courses in theory and method in the study of religion. The successful candidate will also assume a pivotal role in UCSB’s interdisciplinary South Asian Studies program, which comprises faculty in twelve departments across the humanities and social sciences who represent a variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of South Asia.
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.
Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Academic Personnel Coordinator, Kasey Odell, at kodell@hfa.ucsb.edu.
Department: https://www.religion.ucsb.edu/
QUALIFICATIONS
• PhD in Religious Studies, South Asian Studies, or related field at the time of application
• Demonstrated expertise in Jain Studies and South Asian Religions
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research and potential for research productivity, as evidenced in the statement of research, writing sample, and record of research
• Ability to develop a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in Jain traditions and other South Asian religions, as reflected in the statement of teaching and record of teaching experience
• Ability to teach courses in Sanskrit language and literature
• Ability to foster diversity and equity in the department and the broader campus through research, teaching, and/or professional activities
• Evidence of outstanding teaching
• Evidence of participation in professional networks
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
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Cover Letter
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Curriculum Vitae
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Statement of Research
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Statement of Teaching
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Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or professional activities.
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One Relevant Writing Sample – Minimum of 40 pages
- 3 letters of reference required
Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted through UC Recruit.
Help contact: kodell@hfa.ucsb.edu
CAMPUS INFORMATION
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for the deadlines applicable to new University of California employees. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
