Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
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Posting #: 5494
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
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Position Title & Department:
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Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies with Specialization in Environmental Ethics and Religion |
| Posting # |
5494
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| Department Description: |
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is a diverse community of scholars who advance the teaching and study of religion with particular attention to fostering understanding of Catholic traditions. We interpret University of San Diego’s commitment to being a Laudato Si’ University as a call to support teaching and research that responds to urgent contemporary concerns. Information about the department is available at www.sandiego.edu/theo.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
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| University Description: |
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
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| Detailed Description: |
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego announces a tenure-track position in Religious Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2026. Area of specialization is environmental ethics and religion, approached comparatively across religious and spiritual traditions. The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate active engagement in broader conversations surrounding theory and method in the study of religion and ecology through their teaching and scholarship. Candidates with sub-specializations in Catholic mysticism, spiritual ecology, ecojustice, and Taylor’s conception of dark green religion will be prioritized. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence in their scholarship is preferred.
The position carries a 3-3 teaching load. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory courses that meet the learning outcomes for USD’s theological and religious inquiry core requirement (including THRS 110: Exploring Religious Meaning) as well as upper-division courses in the area(s) of specialization (including THRS 338: Faith and Environmental Justice). Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate teaching effectiveness in writing-intensive courses at the undergraduate level and who can demonstrate prior success in teaching courses designed to foster critical self-reflection on power and privilege.
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| Job Requirements: |
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a PhD or its equivalent by the time of the appointment, September 2026. Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, an active scholarly agenda, and commitment to collaborative leadership are required. Qualified candidates will have at least three years of full-time in-person undergraduate teaching experience.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
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| Posting Salary: |
$7,000-7333.33/monthly, Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
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| Special Application Instructions: |
Click Apply Now to complete our online application. Materials should include:
- Letter of application explaining your interest in the position and envisioning how your expertise and commitments would contribute to our program and community of scholars.
- Curriculum vitae
- 1-2 page teaching statement discussing your pedagogy, your commitment to inclusive pedagogical practices, and your experiences working with diverse populations and/or on issues that disproportionately affect minoritized populations
- Sample syllabus for an undergraduate course in Faith and Environmental Justice
- 1-2 page research statement describing your present project(s) and anticipated future trajectory, including any dimension(s) relevant to inclusive excellence
- An example of recently published scholarly work related to environmental ethics and religion.
Contact: Dr. Jacqueline Hidalgo, Search Committee Chair, jhidalgo@sandiego.edu
If you have technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu. |
| Additional Details: |
Closing date: March 10, 2026
Applications must be completed by March 10, 2026. We plan to conduct preliminary interviews via Zoom in March and invite finalists to campus soon thereafter. Contact information for references may be requested at a later stage in the process.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
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Advertised: Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Pacific Daylight Time
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