Assistant Professor (Jewish Studies)Religion

Prerequisites

RequiredQualifications:

• PhD in Jewish Studies (or cognate field with an emphasis on Judaism); we will consider candidates who have achieved ABD status and who will complete their degree by September 30, 2026
• Commitment to fulfilling the purpose of the Bonnier Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies (i.e., to advance the study of Jewish history, culture, religion, and thought at Gustavus and to perform administrative duties as outlined below)

PreferredQualifications:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching
• Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate student advising
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and identities
• Clear research and publication trajectory
• Prior experience with one or more skills needed for the duties of the Bonnier Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies (e.g., collaborating with campus offices, planning and organizing public events, cultivating relationships with external communities, facilitating interreligious engagement)
• Evidence of preparation for primary teaching responsibilities (listed below)
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary programs (e.g., Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies; Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies; Comparative Literature)

Things you will do:

• Major/Essential Functions: Gustavus faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. The annual course load for tenure-track and tenured faculty is six courses; the holder of the Åke and Kristina Bonnier Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies will receive an annual two-course release for administrative responsibilities. All endowed chairs at Gustavus are appointed for renewable three-year terms.
  • Teaching. Primary teaching responsibilities will include Introduction to Judaism, World Religions, additional courses in the individual’s area of expertise, and contributions to general education. Courses may be different sections of the same course within a semester.
  • Administration and Outreach. Administrative duties associated with the endowed position will include collaborating with various offices on campus (e.g., Chaplains’ Office, Admission) to support the religious life and practice of Jewish students; serving on relevant committees; facilitating interreligious engagement; and cultivating Gustavus’s relationships with regional Jewish congregations and agencies.
• Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow.
• Improve your teaching by joining a teaching circle, participating in workshops, applying for an internal teaching development grant, and engaging in conversations about teaching with colleagues across campus.
• Advance your scholarship by collaborating with undergraduate research students, joining a writing retreat, applying for an internal grant, receiving travel funds to present at conferences, receiving help applying for external grants, and making use of our research facilities, including the department’s Jewish Studies library.
• Develop professional skills by participating in faculty meetings and committees, attending faculty development days, and taking advantage of the College’s membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD).

How to apply:

Visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ and complete the online application. The documents that must be uploaded include the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the required and preferred position qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• A brief (one page) statement of teaching philosophy
• A brief (one page) statement of research interests
• Transcripts (scanned copies acceptable)
• The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by September 30, 2025. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional materials such as publications, student evaluations, or syllabi as needed. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.

Things you’ll like:

Based on data from AAUP (American Association of University Professors) and CUPA (College and University Professional Association), we offer a competitive starting Assistant Professor salary range of $62,000 to $68,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience, training, certifications/licensure, market factors, departmental budgets, and responsibility. In addition, Gustavus provides comprehensive benefits designed to support your personal and financial well-being, including:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Access to mental health apps
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave (after one year of employment)
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse

Institution Information: Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation’s leading private liberal arts colleges serving 2,000 students, where faculty help equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota, and within a short drive to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Mankato metro areas. Learn more at https://gustavus.edu/provost/newfaculty/.

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Department Information: The Gustavus Religion Department educates students in religious studies and theology. In addition to the religion major and minor, we offer a minor in religious diversity in professional life. Most of our lower-division courses fulfill the college’s graduation requirement in religious studies and philosophy, and we contribute courses to a number of interdisciplinary programs. Our faculty are active researchers and leaders in their fields. For more information about the department, its faculty, students, and courses, please see the department website at https://gustavus.edu/religion/.

Posted 07/15/2025