Assistant Professor in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion

The Department of Religion, Culture and Society at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level beginning July 1, 2027 in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion with additional competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history, thought, and practice more broadly. Knowledge of the different texts of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context and of the history and cultures of ancient Israel and Judaism is required.

The successful candidate must have a well-developed research record that demonstrates original interventions in the field of ancient Judaism and Jewish Studies. The successful candidate will have a strong teaching record and a demonstrated ability to design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception that will appeal to a broad range of students at a public university, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses in ancient Judaism;
Jewish history, thought, and practice; and the theoretical study of religion. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough grounding in the ancient and modern languages necessary to engage in Biblical scholarship. The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education and to the mentoring and professional development of graduate students. The successful candidate will be involved in maintaining a robust Jewish Studies curriculum at UC Davis.

The expected salary range is $80,800 to $107,500 based on experience. Off-scale salaries and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field must be in hand at the time of application. ABD candidates will not be considered.

Preliminary interviews will be held on Zoom between December 14-18, 2026.

For full consideration, completed applications should be received by November 20, 2026.

Complete applications must include:

• Cover letter describing research and teaching interests
• Curriculum Vitae
• One (1) peer-reviewed publication (no more than 25 pages)
• A statement of teaching, with a specific description for a large enrollment undergraduate course on the Hebrew Bible; one course in Jewish history, thought, and practice; and one graduate level course on theory and method (no more than 500 words)
• Contact information only for three (3) references to include name, affiliation, and email and telephone number

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Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion with additional competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history, thought, and practice more broadly. Knowledge of the different texts of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context and of the history and cultures of ancient Israel and Judaism is required. The successful candidate must have a well-developed research record that demonstrates original interventions in the field of ancient Judaism and Jewish Studies.

The successful candidate will have a strong teaching record and a demonstrated ability to design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception that will appeal to a broad range of students at a public university, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses in ancient Judaism;
Jewish history, thought, and practice; and the theoretical study of religion. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough grounding in the ancient and modern languages necessary to engage in Biblical scholarship. The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education and to the mentoring and professional development of graduate students. The successful candidate will be involved in maintaining a robust Jewish Studies curriculum at UC Davis.

A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field must be in hand at the time of application. ABD candidates will not be considered.