The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Riverside, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the study of Transnational Buddhism, starting July 1, 2014. The area of specialization is open, but this position is deliberately defined for a candidate who engages Buddhism in both Asia and the West in its formation of local cultural networks, Asian immigrant communities, as well as its global dissemination. We particularly favor candidates adept at critical comparative study of religion, as well as those with a solid grounding in method and theory in the study of religion. UCR is located in immediate proximity to the largest East Asian and Buddhist population in the nation and our department is committed to establishing the study of Buddhism as part of our core institutional identity.

Teaching obligations will include an undergraduate introductory course on religions of Asia, upper division undergraduate and graduate courses on Buddhism, including significant developments of Buddhism outside Asia. The university is on the quarter system of ten weeks of instruction per quarter. A standard teaching load alternates between five courses one year, and four the next.

Ph.D. or advanced ABD status is required at time of appointment, and candidates with demonstrable research, publication, and teaching experience will be preferred. UCR is a research institution with high expectations for scholarly productivity and excellence in teaching. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

In lieu of a research statement, applicants should submit a short essay (500 word maximum) as a part of their cover letter that addresses the following questions: What are the most interesting general theoretical or conceptual problem (or problems) of religion? And, why? What problem (or problems) in the study of Buddhism interest them most? And, briefly, why? How does the studying of Buddhism contribute to a university humanities program?

Interested candidates should send electronic applications of their curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing their interest in and fit for the position, a short essay (500 word maximum) included with their cover letter, teaching evaluations, at least three letters of recommendation; journal articles, book chapters, or other works-in-progress (if available) to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF00048 or to the Department of Religious Studies, Attention Victoria Cross, UC Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521. Electronic application and submission of materials is strongly preferred. Review of applications will begin December 20, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Ivan Strenski, Chair, Religious Studies Search Committee, at ivan.strenski@ucr.edu.