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Aswadiaspora

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and American Studies

Aswadiaspora, Williamsburg, Virginia, us, 23187


The Department of Religious Studies and the American Studies Program at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, seek applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant / early Associate level in African Diaspora Religions in the Americas.

Appointment will begin August 10, 2025.

We are interested in individuals with research and teaching expertise in the study of African diaspora religions in the Americas (e.g., Rastafarianism, Santeria, Vodun, Candomblé, etc.). Language proficiency should be appropriate to field of study.

Duties include:ResearchTeachingService to Religious Studies, American Studies, and the UniversityThe applicant is expected to establish and maintain a vibrant research program that inspires a highly motivated undergraduate student body as well as M.A. and Ph.D. students (in American Studies). Teaching expectation is 2 courses per semester. This is a joint position between The Department of Religious Studies (50%, undergraduate only) and the American Studies Program (50%, undergraduate and graduate) at William & Mary. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to teaching and advising MA and PhD students in American Studies and must possess the skills to teach compelling courses in African diaspora religions and upper-level lecture and seminar-style courses in topics in religion in the Americas and/or the United States.

Applicants will find at William & Mary opportunities for interdisciplinary affiliations and for cross-listing courses with other vibrant units, such as Africana Studies and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, as well.

Required Qualifications:Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, American Studies, Africana Studies, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment, which begins August 10, 2025.

Preferred Qualifications:Preference will be given to applicants with evidence of scholarly achievement and/or demonstrated scholarly potential in African diaspora religions in the Americas. Previous experience and/or demonstrated potential in teaching undergraduate courses in African diaspora religions in the Americas and the broader study of religion in the United States is preferred. Evidence of public-facing aspects to an applicant’s research agenda and/or community engagement and collaboration within their research is also preferred. Preference will also be given to candidates able to demonstrate familiarity with (and able to incorporate in teaching) theories and methods in the study of religion.

Special Application Instructions:Applicants must apply online at

https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/62185 . Submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a statement of teaching interests, and a statement of research interests. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on their past experiences or future plans to foster an inclusive and welcoming climate for learners/scholars in any of the aforementioned required documents. You cannot submit a separate diversity statement. You will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.

For full consideration, submit application materials by the

review date, October 24, 2024.

Applications received after the review date shall be considered if needed.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. William & Mary conducts background checks on applicants being considered for employment.

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