Assistant Professor of Religion, Tenure Track

Department

Religion

Vassar College is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Decisions concerning employment are made on the basis of an individual’s qualifications to contribute to meeting Vassar College’s educational objectives and its institutional needs, which includes promoting a respect for difference and creating a learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Candidates who can contribute to these goals through their teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu

Job Description

Position Introduction:

The Department of Religion at Vassar College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in South Asian religions, to begin Fall 2027. We seek applicants whose teaching and research draw on critical approaches to gender and sexuality and whose research engages Hindu sources and practices, broadly understood. We also welcome candidates who bring critical approaches to race and caste.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will teach courses on South Asian religions, both in South Asia and in other global contexts, and will have the opportunity to develop thematic courses in their areas of interest and specialization. They will teach and cross-list courses in Vassar’s Women, Feminist, & Queer Studies Program. The potential to contribute to other multidisciplinary programs, such as Asian Studies and Media Studies, is also of special interest. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Research methodology, time period, and regional focus are open, but candidates should be prepared to draw on a wide range of historical and contemporary sources in their teaching. We seek candidates with a commitment to exceptional and creative undergraduate teaching, and who demonstrate the potential for distinguished scholarly work. The teaching load in the first year is four courses per year, following which the load is five courses per year, or four courses plus intensive work with students which typically involves directed student research. One course per year will originate in the Women, Feminist, & Queer Studies Program, with the remaining courses housed in the Religion Department.

Application Materials:

Cover Letter & CV

Teaching Statement

Community Impact Statement ( https://offices.vassar.edu/dean-of-the-faculty/positions/community-impact-statement/ )

Graduate School Transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable at the time of application)

Writing Sample

Contact information for three references who will provide reference letters upon request. Note: Candidates will be prompted for the contact information following the submission of the application.

How to Apply:

Applications should be addressed to Kirsten Wesselhoeft, Chair of the Religion Department and submitted online at: https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Vassar-External . Please contact kwesselhoeft@vassar.edu with any questions. Review of applicant materials will begin on October 19, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled. There is no guarantee that applications received after October 19, 2026 will be reviewed.

Pay Transparency Disclosure:

The annual base starting salary range for this position is $96,000 to $106,000 (USD). This range includes new faculty appointments beginning the first year of a standard tenure clock as well as Assistant Professors with previous tenure-line experience who will be on an accelerated tenure clock. When extending an offer of employment, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) candidate’s education/training, work experience, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations. This salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. The starting salary for an Assistant Professor in this position with a PhD beginning the first year of a standard tenure clock in Fall 2027 is $100,000.