Muslims/Islam in North America Job Description

Qualifications

The College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the Religious Studies Program invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level in the study of Muslims/Islam in North America to begin fall semester 2018 (08/27/2018). A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or other related field is required by the start date. Possible areas of specialization include, but are not limited to

• History of Muslim communities or Islam in North America
• Religious experience or expression of Muslims in North America
• Social/political experience of the Muslim diaspora in North America
• Gender, race, class, and identity issues related to Muslim experience in North America

Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate a strong foundation in the academic study of religion and in their specific research area along with an ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.

Successful candidates must also show evidence or potential for a strong research profile and excellence in teaching. 

Appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year (late-August to late-May). Appointment will be at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor, depending on qualifications and experience, and consistent with collegiate and University policy.

Candidates will be evaluated according to a) overall quality of their academic preparation and scholarly work, b) relevance of their scholarly research to the department's academic priorities and fields of inquiry, c) evidence of commitment to teaching and skills as a teacher, and d) strength of recommendations.

About the Job

This will be a joint appointment between the interdepartmental Religious Studies Program and the tenure-granting department within the College of Liberal Arts that best fits the candidate’s scholarship and research field. Potential departments include (but are not limited to) Anthropology, Sociology, History, African American and African Studies, English, Asian Languages and Literatures, Political Science, or American Studies. As a tenure-track faculty member, responsibilities will include executing an innovative and consistent research and publication agenda; teaching core courses in the Religious Studies undergraduate and graduate curricula (Introduction to the Study of Religion in America, Introduction to Religions of the World, Theory and Methods in the Study of Religion), and in the area/department of research specialty; supervising undergraduate and graduate research in Religious Studies and the joint department; creating new avenues for cross-disciplinary research at the university; and service to the Religious Studies Program, the home department, the College and the University. Additional responsibilities in the tenure department will be determined. The regular teaching load is 2/2.

The Workload Principles and Guidelines for Regular Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts are available here.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online (here) to be considered for this position. Click the “External Faculty and Staff Applicants” button and search Job Opening ID #319765. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach your application letter (cover letter) and curriculum vitae (resume). Additional documents, including a writing sample, must be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. Three letters of reference should be sent separately by their authors to clafclty@umn.edu.

A complete application includes the following materials: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) sample of scholarly work not more than 40 pages,(4) Three letters of reference (sent to clafclty@umn.edu). Candidates who make the initial cut will be asked for a philosophy of teaching statement, sample syllabi, and/or course evaluations.

Inquiries should be directed to search committee chair, Jeanne Kilde, jkilde@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting its academic mission. The University of committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the University, please click here. 

Background Check Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.