Blumenthal Professor of Religious Studies

Established in 1964, the Department of Religious Studies at UNC Charlotte has a long tradition of providing a multidisciplinary approach to the study of religions. We provide undergraduate and graduate instruction in the academic study of religion in a global context; conduct and publish research related to religion; and provide service that enhances public understanding of issues related to religion. The Department hosts the annual Loy H. Witherspoon Distinguished Lecture in Religious Studies, which is the oldest and most prestigious endowed lecture at UNC Charlotte. Religious Studies faculty contribute to the institutional work of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and the University. Our mission is to foster a critical understanding of the significance of religion in human societies and cultures.

As the largest and most academically diverse college at UNC Charlotte, the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences ( CHESS) houses 14 departments, 13 interdisciplinary programs, and 7 applied centers. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs with extensive honors and early-entry options. The College plays a pivotal role in delivering on the university's goals in the areas of research excellence, student success and experience, and community engagement. Through their scholarship and teaching, the College's 350+ faculty members seek to deepen our understanding of complex problems and lead the university in interdisciplinary collaboration.

UNC Charlotte is an R-1 university, and the only research university in North Carolina's largest metropolitan area. As the second-largest institution in the UNC System, we transform lives, communities, and industries through accessible and affordable education, offering exemplary bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional programs. Our commitment to scholarship, innovation, and service drives our contributions to the ever-evolving needs of society. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on real-world applications, we prepare our graduates to excel in their careers and lead with purpose and integrity in a rapidly changing world.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty should be interpreted in the context of the related departmental and collegiate goals.
Teaching, Advising, Curriculum and Instructional Development - Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to teaching may include but are not limited to: subject matter competence, course design, course presentation, advising and consultation, directing student research, curriculum and instructional development, and grading student work.
Scholarly Research, Creative, and Other Professional Activities - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to participate in expanding the knowledge base of their academic field by conducting research or engaging in other creative activities as appropriate to the faculty member's discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to research may include but are not limited to: research/creative activity that generates new knowledge and/or synthesizes and/or integrates existing knowledge, publication, an on-going agenda for research, scholarly, and creative activity, and are expected to seek extramural support for their work.
Service to University, the Public, and the Profession - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to engage in a program of service appropriate to their discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to service may include but are not limited to: service to the administration and governance of the University, public service, and service to the profession.

This position is subject to research-security screening. As part of the application, applicants must disclose, either in their CV or in a separate document submitted with the application, all current appointments or affiliations with foreign institutions or organizations, foreign research support, and ongoing research collaborations with foreign institutions, organizations, or their personnel. Before candidates advance to an on-campus interview, the university will review this information and other publicly available information for relationships involving institutions on the current Section 1286 list and any other applicable U.S. restricted-party lists. A disclosed or identified relationship does not automatically disqualify a candidate. As a condition of employment, a selected candidate must resolve any relationship the university determines would violate applicable law or sponsor requirements or materially impair the candidate's or the university's eligibility for federal funding.

To view the complete Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty document visit our website: https://facultyhandbooks.charlotte.edu/full-time-faculty-handbook/

The Blumenthal Professor of Religious Studies will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and grant activity in the field of religious studies. The teacher-scholar hired for this position will be an advocate for the study of religion and the humanities, will be familiar with experiential and engaged pedagogies, and would be cross-listing their courses with other programs and departments. The successful candidate will be trained in the academic study of religion and experienced with a range of disciplinary methods and perspectives that inform teaching and research in the field. In addition to research and service the Blumenthal Professor will teach a 2-2 load per academic year that would entail a combination of general education courses and religious studies courses at all levels, including rotation in our undergraduate theories and methods course for departmental majors and our graduate-level methods course for masters students in religious studies and related programs.

UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications: The department is especially interested in candidates whose specialization lies in the study of critical comparative scriptures, that is, the use of historical and cultural analysis to engage religious texts and communities in order to better understand the dynamics of their functions, roles, interpretations, and receptions.

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applications for the Blumenthal Professorship in Religious Studies, a full-time, tenured faculty position to begin 16 August 2027. The appointment will be made at the associate or full professor rank.

Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.charlotte.edu (position #5853) and submit the following materials: 1) a letter of interest discussing the applicant's professional qualifications and history regarding the five requirements and how the applicant would contribute to the department, college, and university's research, teaching, and service mission; and 2) a curriculum vitae. Applicants selected for further consideration will be asked to send three confidential letters of recommendation to the search committee chair. Finalists will also be asked to discuss how their teaching practices engage and include all UNC-Charlotte students while eliminating barriers to learning, and how their educational approach helps increase the engagement and success of all students regardless of their entry pathway into the university.

The candidate selected for this position will be subject to Criminal Background Check and will be required to submit their official transcripts of their highest degree upon hire. Hiring is subject to budget availability. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Sean McCloud, Chair, Department of Religious Studies ( spmcclou@charlotte.edu).