The Program in Religious Studies at Union College seeks to make a tenure-track appointment at the level of Assistant Professor in the area of Religion and Science. The appointee is expected to offer courses in religious studies including in various aspects of religion and science for the Religious Studies program and also selected courses in philosophy for the Philosophy Department. It is also expected that the appointees teaching will support the General Education program ( There is an expectation that the appointee would support the work of the Templeton Institute at Union ( and take advantage of research and outreach opportunities afforded them there.
Applicants should have strong grounding in science and in religious studies as well as hold a PhD in religious studies philosophy history STEM or other relevant field that interconnects science and the academic study of religion. Candidates who are ABD and will complete their degree by September 2026 are welcome to apply. Demonstrated experience in teaching across science philosophy and religion is highly valued as is evidence of building institutional connections between religious studies and science. The Religious Studies program is particularly interested in candidates who work in the area of AI and spirituality. Union College recognizes the rich possibilities of interdisciplinary studies and sees this position as exemplifying the complementarity of humanistic and scientific education. Applicants should address how they would promote connections between religious studies and science at Union. Applicants should also state their areas of teaching competence in religion and science and in philosophy together with their research expertise.
Teaching load is 2 courses per 10-week trimester 6 courses per academic year with a one-course reduction in the first year. Pre-tenure faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after a successful third-year review. Salary and benefits are competitive. The College offers strong support for both teaching and research. This endowed position additionally benefits from an assigned annual allowance to support research and travel.
About the Religious Studies Program:
Religious Studies at Union is an Interdisciplinary Program with two tenured faculty and it is further supported by colleagues who teach and research aspects of the academic study of religion in the departments of Anthropology Art History Classics Economics English History Music Philosophy Psychology Political Science and Sociology. Union College highly values interdisciplinary study and the appointee would join an academic community committed to the success of intellectual bridge-building between the Humanities and Science.
Application instructions:
Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.
Cover letter describing how your education teaching and research academic interests and experience address the requirements of this position
Current curriculum vitae
Teaching statement that outlines the goals and methods of your teaching including information regarding strategies youve developed for teaching students with academically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Sample syllabi are welcome
Research statement outlining current research interests and future research commitments or plans
Please send questions and other inquiries to Prof. Peter Bedford Director Religious Studies Program at Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching and research in Religion and Science.
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $81500-$83500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors including but not limited to departmental budgets qualifications experience education licenses specialty and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady NY
We offer exceptional benefits including:
Healthcare Dental and Vision Insurance(Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
Employee Scholarships toward Certifications Seminars Training and Professional Development
Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
Tuition programs
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education employment and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation:Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).