Assistant Professor of Religion

Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Religion, housed in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, offers undergraduate majors and minors as well as MA and PhD programs in religion. Additional information is available at https://religion.uga.edu.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.

College/Unit/Department website: https://religion.uga.edu.

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2027

Job Posting Date: 09/25/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should upload a CV, cover letter, teaching statement, one writing sample, and contact information for three references. Letters of reference and other supporting materials may be requested from a smaller pool of applicants at a later date.

Applications received by November 9, 2026 will receive full consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled. For questions about the search, contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Ingie Hovland, at ingiehovland@uga.edu.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Assistant Professor

Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in religion, religious studies, or a closely related field by the position’s start date.

Position Summary

The Department of Religion at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Religion specializing in religion, ethics, and politics, with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will maintain an active research program in which religion is central and will teach courses addressing the relationships among religion, ethics, and politics. The position carries a 2/2 teaching load and includes regular responsibility for a large-enrollment Religious Ethics course of approximately 150 to 300 students. Other responsibilities include mentoring graduate students; contributing to curricular and program development; and participating in departmental, college, university, and professional service.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Competitive applicants will demonstrate a coherent research agenda centered on religion and its ethical and political dimensions; evidence of effective college-level teaching; the ability to teach a large-enrollment Religious Ethics course; and the capacity to contribute to the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs. Demonstrated engagement with methods or theories from humanities or social sciences will strengthen an application, although candidates with other academic backgrounds will be considered.

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.