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Religious Studies Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Religious Studies Professor information

What Does a Religious Studies Professor Do?

Religious studies is the academic discipline of studying one or several religious traditions or their adherents’ behaviors in a critical light. A religious studies professor may specialize in specific beliefs, institutions, texts, a religious language, such as Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, or Sanskrit, a historical period, or a more abstract field, such as theories or philosophies of religion. Your main duties include a mix of teaching, research, and advising students. Depending on the University, you may serve as an advisor to a graduate student writing their thesis or dissertation. You also have administrative responsibilities, such as professional development, faculty meetings, and departmental administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Religious Studies Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Religious Studies Professor, you need advanced academic credentials (usually a Ph.D.) in religious studies or a related field, along with strong research and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard) and research databases is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking skills help professors engage diverse student audiences and facilitate open dialogue. These skills are vital for fostering an inclusive learning environment and advancing scholarly understanding of complex religious topics.

What are some common challenges Religious Studies Professors face when balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities?

Religious Studies Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging courses, conducting original research, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these duties can be challenging, especially during peak times like grading periods or research deadlines. Professors must also stay current with developments in their field and foster an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Effective time management and clear communication with colleagues are key to managing these demands successfully.

What are Religious Studies Professors?

Religious Studies Professors are educators and researchers who specialize in the academic study of religion. They teach courses on various religions, belief systems, and their historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts at colleges or universities. In addition to teaching, they often conduct scholarly research, publish academic papers, and participate in conferences. They may also advise students and contribute to curriculum development within their department. Their expertise helps students understand the diverse ways in which religion shapes societies and individual lives.

What is the difference between Religious Studies Professor vs Theology Professor?

AspectReligious Studies ProfessorTheology Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Religious Studies or related fieldDoctorate in Theology or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, research institutionsReligious institutions, seminaries, universities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizationsReligious organizations, seminaries, academic settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Religious Studies Professors focus on the academic study of religion, including history, culture, and societal impacts, often in secular or academic settings. Theology Professors typically specialize in religious doctrine, faith, and spiritual interpretation, often within religious institutions or seminaries. While both roles require advanced degrees, their focus and work environments differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring careers in religious academia.

What cities are hiring for Religious Studies Professor jobs? Cities with the most Religious Studies Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Religious Studies Professor jobs? The most popular types of Religious Studies Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Religious Studies Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Religious Studies Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Religious Studies Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Teaching Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Medieval and Renaissance St...

Teaching Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Medieval and Renaissance St...

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

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Job description

Description
The Marco Institute for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a full-time position of Teaching Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MRST) beginning August 1, 2026. This is a career-track (NTT) position with teaching (75%) and service (25%) responsibilities. The teaching load is 2 sections of one course per semester (12 hours per week). The service component corresponds to MRST programmatic needs, such as advising, mentoring, outreach, and curriculum development. Interest in teaching a methods course for MRST majors and/or leading a summer study abroad program (for additional pay) is considered a plus.
Appointment to this position will be for an initial two-year term and is renewable contingent upon evidence of excellence in teaching and service duties. The position has promotional potential and comes with full benefits and additional funds available to assist with research, travel, and professional development.
The Marco Institute is an internationally-acclaimed center for the study of the history and culture of the premodern world (c.300-1700). With our rich programming schedule of lectures, workshops, and symposia; multiple fellowship opportunities for faculty and graduate students; undergraduate major and minor and graduate certificate; and annual premodern language training program, we pursue the research and teaching of the early periods at the highest levels. Our award-winning faculty represents a wide range of disciplines and periods - drawing from over a dozen departments and programs spanning from late antiquity to the early modern period and from Europe and the Mediterranean to East Asia and the Americas - and we boast special strengths in late antique history and religion and in medieval and early modern literature. Our interdisciplinary approach and collaborative enterprises contribute to the intellectual life of the UT campus, the Knoxville community, and beyond.
Qualifications
PhD in Medieval Studies or any field related to premodern studies (i.e., History, Literature, Languages, Religious Studies, Musicology, Art History, etc.) is required by the time of appointment. Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellence in teaching at the college level, familiarity with current student-oriented pedagogy, including in a large classroom, and with the use of technology to enhance learning. The program seeks candidates with expertise in teaching an expansive global, interdisciplinary perspective in premodern studies. The Candidate must also demonstrate potential for successful academic programmatic development and mentoring as well as scholarly expertise.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin on February 16, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Tennessee is seeking candidates with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to achieving the mission of the Marco Institute and the University.
Please submit to Interfolio your complete dossier including the following:
  1. Letter of Application
  2. CV
  3. Names and contact information for three references
  4. Two-page maximum Statement of Teaching Philosophy (must address teaching pre-modern studies from a global and interdisciplinary perspective and teaching large classes)

Finalists will be asked, in addition, to share a sample syllabus in preparation for the Zoom interview.
For inquiries, please contact the chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Anne-Hélène Miller (ahm@utk.edu).

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