Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair - SWS
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 6, 2024
Mission or Goal of Unit:
The mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences is to serve as the intellectual heart and soul of our institution and wider community. The College of Humanities and Sciences:
- Prepares lifelong learners to participate actively as engaged and responsible citizens
- Propels scientific research and scholarship to improve the human condition, cure and treat diseases, and promote healthy environments
- Grounds us in our history, critically examines our present human condition and empowers students to create more equitable local and global communities
- Provides communities with a passionate and creative workforce that serves as a powerful engine for economic development and innovative solutions to problems
As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCU's student body is diverse; approximately 30% of our undergraduates are first-generation college students and 32% are from underrepresented groups. One of the most important criteria for all candidates is that they have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or are committed to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
The religious studies curriculum in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU offers a holistic investigation of the artistic, ethical, historical, psychological, and social dimensions of religions, as well as the influence of religions on how we conceive of sexuality, gender, race, health, public policy, and social justice. Graduates develop strong analytic, communication, and creative skills useful in an increasingly globalized economy where more and more people with different beliefs are coming together. The Religious Studies program grounds learning in respect for the world's cultural and religious diversity and the search for social justice for all the world's citizens.
The Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture is an endowed faculty line in the College of Humanities and Sciences. The person holding the Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair will be actively engaged in scholarship and teaching in Judaic studies and culture, and will organize the annual public Lyons Lecture focusing on aspects of Judaism and Jewish culture.
Chief Purpose of this position: The College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU seeks an open-rank 9-month, tenure-eligible faculty member to fill the Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture beginning in August 2024.
Position Responsibilities: We are seeking an individual who will (i) contribute high-quality research and scholarship including external funding, peer-reviewed publications, and active involvement in national or international organizations, (ii) teach a 2-2 course load in Judaic culture, Jewish studies, and/or closely related fields; (iii) annually organize a public Lyons Lecture on a topic related to Jewish studies; (iv) contribute service as a faculty member in the Religious Studies program and the College of Humanities and Sciences; (v) contribute to the intellectual and pedagogical life of the College of Humanities and Sciences; (vi) contribute to the newly created Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities.
Required Qualifications:
●An earned Ph.D. in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies or History of Religion by the start of the position is required;
●An innovative and meaningful research agenda consistent with an R1 institution with strong potential for external funding;
●Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level in Judaic Studies, including but not limited to classes like History of the Jewish People, the American Jewish Experience, and Modern Jewish Thought, or courses related to the mission of the Chair;
●Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications: N/A
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. We recognize that local contexts vary across departments and disciplines and that contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion may take many forms. Efforts to cultivate inclusive excellence might include, for example, creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff systematically excluded and underrepresented in the U.S. academy and/or particular disciplines; educational outreach (particularly to under resourced and underserved communities); efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion at the university or in the local community; as well as one's own lived experiences.
Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contributions to VCU's mission of promoting equity and inclusion. For more information and examples, see Diversity Statement.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
For more information contact Andrew Crislip, Blake Chair in the History of Christianity, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Review of applications will begin January 16. Position open until filled.
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 100%
Tenure: Tenure Track
Rank: Open
Months: 9
Department: School of World Studies
Salary:
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Amy Rector
Contact Email: alrector@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 827-3406
