Assistant Professor - Religious Studies

Overview

The Department of History at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a tenure-track, nine-month position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Religious Studies. We are looking for a generalist with strength in teaching Judaism, Christianity, and the Bible. The successful applicant will teach at all levels of the Religious Studies program as well as in the university’s general education program. The department seeks a highly motivated teacher, mentor, and researcher to join an energetic group of scholars at our Logan campus. Teaching is the primary focus of this position, and the faculty member will be responsible for teaching six courses per year, including courses taught in different delivery modalities (face-to-face, online, and broadcast). The anticipated start date is August 2027.Review of applications will begin November 23rd.

The Department of History welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their current U.S. work authorization status. Visa sponsorship may be available depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration requirements. The University supports standard sponsorship costs but cannot cover the additional $100,000 H-1B fee if applicable. Sponsorship eligibility will be determined by University Human Resources prior to an official offer of employment.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Demonstrate excellence in teaching and effectiveness in research;
• Teach a range of courses in Religious Studies, with special responsibility for courses in Judaism, Christianity, and the Bible, as well as the Religious Studies senior capstone;
• Teach in the university’s general education program located in the Center for Civic Excellence;
• Provide impactful mentoring for undergraduate students;
• Serve as needed on graduate thesis committees in the department’s master’s programs, particularly in History and Ancient Languages and Cultures;
• Produce high quality, peer-reviewed scholarship;
• Provide effective service in the program, department, college, and university.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Religious Studies or related field by July 2027 (ABD candidates will be considered at the time of application if the degree is completed by July 2027)
• Demonstrated competence to teach a range of courses in Judaism, Christianity, and the Bible, as well as the Religious Studies program’s senior capstone course
• Enthusiasm and demonstrated capacity to teach in the university’s general education program
• Evidence of teaching excellence
• Evidence of scholarly productivity

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively with other units in the department, which includes programs in History, Public/Applied History, Classics, Philosophy, and Folklore.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

The names and e-mail addresses of three references to be typed at the beginning of the application. Your references will be asked to upload a letter of recommendation if your candidacy advances to the next level.

The following documents will need to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

A cover letter that speaks to your experience as a teacher and researcher in the field of Religious Studies 

Teaching statement addressing your approach to teaching. Please note in particular how your teaching approach is suited to supporting the success of a wide range of students at all levels.

A sample syllabus for a course on Judaism.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

College/Department Highlights

The Department of History at USU includes dynamic undergraduate programs in Religious Studies, Classics, Folklore, History, and Philosophy as well as master's programs in History, Folklore, and Ancient Languages and Cultures. The faculty values original research in keeping with USU’s research mission, and it places the highest importance on accessible and quality teaching at all levels. The Religious Studies program offers both a major and a minor, with faculty also contributing extensively to USU’s general education and university studies curriculum. For more information on the department, please visit our website at https://artsci.usu.edu/history/.

All Religious Studies faculty are part of the College of Arts and Sciences, which plays an instrumental role in teaching critical thinking, knowledge-building skills, and the ability to pose meaningful questions that advance understanding and knowledge. Students in our college confront the great questions and controversies, learn about the forces that have shaped our world, and develop the skills to tackle its most pressing challenges. Our graduates are creative problem-solvers with a passion for making a difference. The education they receive here prepares them to address the problems of today and to succeed wherever their career path takes them tomorrow.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026