About the role
Classification Title:
Chair and Associate/Full Professor in Department of Religion
Job Description:
The Department of Religion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida invites applications for a 1.0 FTE, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor to serve as Department Chair.
We seek a distinguished scholar with substantial administrative and leadership experience who can provide a clear vision for the department and guide its continued growth in research, teaching, and service.
This is a senior appointment, with preference given to candidates qualified for appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure. Outstanding candidates at the Associate Professor rank will also be considered, provided they demonstrate a strong record of scholarly productivity, relevant administrative experience, and a clear interest in academic leadership. Research specialization is open. However, preference may be given to candidates whose scholarly expertise complements existing departmental strengths or expands the department's areas of distinction.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the department; oversee undergraduate and graduate academic programs; manage budgets, personnel, and departmental operations; promote interdisciplinary collaboration; cultivate fundraising and external engagement opportunities; and support faculty development, recruitment, and retention.
Established in 1946, the Department of Religion is committed to excellence in research, teaching, and public service. It is home to internationally recognized scholars whose fields of academic expertise include Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, ethics, and the intersections of religion and ecology. The University of Florida is a prominent research university that offers exceptional opportunities for innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and external funding. As Florida’s flagship university, UF is committed to strengthening its reputation as a top public university in the country, while fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community. Gainesville is known for its great quality of life, easy access to natural resources, and vibrant cultural scene.
The Department of Religion anticipates hiring an accomplished scholar and effective administrator who can build upon recent successes in improving departmental functions and provide visionary leadership for the program’s future. The position offers excellent professional opportunities to shape department’s strategic position, work closely with supportive administration within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, foster innovation in teaching and research, and instigate new interdisciplinary initiatives.
Expected Salary:
The salary is competitive and commensurate with rank and experience.
UF offers a strong benefits package for eligible faculty appointments, including health insurance, paid leave (as applicable), and retirement options.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Religion or a related field.
- Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience.
- Strong record of scholarly achievement and publication.
- Qualifications commensurate with appointment as a tenured faculty member.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applications must be submitted online.
A complete application includes:
- A Curriculum Vitae.
- A cover letter, which should address administrative experience, leadership philosophy, research accomplishments, and demonstrated excellence in teaching.
- Names and contact information for three external references.
- One representative example of a scholarly publication from the past 3 years.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026, and will continue until a successful applicant is selected.
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
Health Assessment Required:
No