The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies

With the support of a generous grant from The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, the College of Humanities at the University of Utah seeks to hire a new tenure-line faculty member specializing in Buddhism. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor or (early) Associate Professor, with the position commencing July 1, 2024. The tenure home for The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies will be determined based on the successful candidate’s disciplinary training and will be in one (or more) of the following departments in the College of Humanities: the Department of History, the Department of Philosophy, or the Department of World Languages & Cultures, which administers the Religious Studies major and minor. The typical teaching load for a tenure-line faculty member in the College of Humanities is two courses per semester (Fall and Spring). The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the curriculum of their home department by teaching courses that are focused on Buddhism as well as courses that are not confined solely to topics in Buddhist Studies.

Scholars specializing in any traditional and/or modern forms of Asian Buddhism from any region may apply, and we especially welcome applications from specialists in Chinese or Korean Buddhism. The preferred qualifications are:

1) A PhD or equivalent in any of the following fields: Asian Languages/Literatures; History; Philosophy; Religion; or a comparable field. ABD students will also be considered.

2) An original and outstanding research program. For candidates seeking appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure, demonstrated excellence and productivity in research, as evidenced by publications in prestigious and selective venues, presentations at academic conferences, etc. (The particular standards for evaluation will be determined according to the guidelines for tenure in the department that will serve as the successful candidate’s tenure home.)

3) High-level ability in at least one of the Asian languages in which Buddhist texts have historically been composed.

4) Ability to teach upper-level courses in candidate’s speciality alongside a range of department-specific courses with content that is not confined to just Buddhism alone (e.g., History of Asia, Introduction to Philosophy, or advanced language classes).

5) Demonstrated excellence in teaching and success in interacting with students from diverse (especially religiously diverse) backgrounds. For candidates seeking appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure and who have been employed in a department with a graduate degree program, evidence of effective mentoring of graduate students will be desirable.

6) For candidates seeking appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure, a record of effective service at their prior academic institution(s) and to the profession. Candidates with experience and interest in program-building will be especially welcome.

The University of Utah attracts students and employees from across the US and the globe, and is committed to ensuring belonging for all and to fostering a diverse community and an inclusive campus climate. With its focus on the rich tapestry of human experience, the College of Humanities contributes to these aims through the research, teaching, and service of its faculty. Applicants are requested to provide a statement (2 pages maximum) discussing how they might play a role in these efforts and any relevant prior experience.

Salt Lake City, where the University is located, is a rapidly growing metropolis with a diverse population, including multiple lay Buddhist groups. In addition, the College of Humanities houses a federally funded Title VI National Resource Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, with affiliated faculty from across the University of Utah. The successful candidate may therefore expect a welcome reception for their work and will be joining a ready-made community of scholars with shared interests, supported by the institutional resources of an R-1 university that is the flagship of the Utah System of Higher Education.

All applicants should provide a cover letter; CV; research statement; research/writing sample; teaching statement; a teaching portfolio that includes evidence of teaching effectiveness; and a statement (2 pages maximum) addressing prior experience in and potential contributions to ensuring an inclusive campus climate. Applicants should submit the names and email addresses of three recommenders, whom our system will automatically contact for letters to support the application.

Questions about this position should be directed to the search committee chair, Prof. Eric L. Hutton, at.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on Oct. 15 and continue until the position is filled, but complete files received by Nov. 1 will receive priority consideration.