The Department of Religion at Rice University invites applications for an Assistant Professor (TT) in the area of Science and Religion. “Science” in this sense is broadly understood to include a variety of disciplinary and methodological domains, such as the Philosophy of Science and Religion, the History of Science and Religion, Cognitive Science and Religion, Neuroscience and Religion, Religion and Environmental Science, and Religion and the Medical Humanities. Priority will be given to applicants whose work gives significant attention to questions of race, gender, or sexuality. Focuses on geographic area and religious tradition(s) are open, though applicants should be prepared to teach courses that reflect cultural and social diversity as well as methods in the study of religion. Excellence in teaching and research is expected. Rice is committed to diversity and inclusion, and women and historically underrepresented minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

There is university-wide interest in the intersection of science and religion, and this interest has the potential to make a significant impact at Rice University, including ongoing work regarding interdisciplinary programming in the environmental and medical humanities, and the Boniuk Institute, with its emerging Center on Religion, Science, Health and Environment (CORSHE). While the position is in the Department of Religion, the successful candidate will have opportunity for involvement with the Boniuk Institute, for example, as a faculty fellow. Within the Department, the successful candidate is expected to work with members of the department where there is intellectual and curricular overlap, including but not limited to the faculty of the GEM (Gnosticism Esotericism Mysticism) Program. They will work closely with undergraduates as well as M.A. and Ph.D. students. The 2/2 teaching load includes instruction in both the undergraduate and graduate curricula. The University expects faculty members to maintain an active program of scholarly research and publication and to contribute service to the Department, University, and profession.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field by July 1, 2024. We will begin reviewing applications on October 15, 2023. The position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom or Teams in November and may also be available at the annual American Academy of Religion conference in San Antonio in November. Application materials must include a letter of application, CV, teaching statement, three letters of recommendation, a diversity statement, and a writing sample of approximately 15-20 pages. Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio. Finalists will also be asked for teaching evaluations (if available).

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic museum district and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. The fourth largest and most diverse city in the United States, Houston provides an opportunity for scholars to collaborate with area universities, museums, the Texas Medical Center, and civic organizations, and to engage with the broader metropolitan community. Rice University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of over 4,000 undergraduates and a nearly equal number of graduate students. Its hallmarks include a very high level of research activity and intellectual innovation and a commitment to diversity at all levels. The department has close working relationships with other departments in the School of Humanities and is also involved in a range of interdisciplinary centers, such as the Boniuk Institute, African and African American Studies; Environmental Studies; Jewish Studies; Medical Humanities; Medieval and Early Modern Studies and the Center for the Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality. General information about the Department of Religion can be found at https://reli.rice.edu.