Tirthankar Shantinath Assistant​/Associate Professor in Jain Studies

The School of Humanities at Rice University in Houston, Texas,invites applications for the Tirthankar Shantinath Professorship inJain Studies, with potential expertise in one or more of the following research areas: applied Jainism, bioethics, or medical humanities; or South Asian culture, religion, philosophy, orhistory. The position rank is open to Assistant Professors, with potential appointment at the Associate Professor level with tenurefor qualified candidates. The successful candidate must qualify for an appointment in one of the departments in the School of Humanities and Arts.

Supported by a significant endowment, this chair offers a unique opportunity to establish an innovative, interdisciplinary program connecting ancient philosophical traditions with modern study ofethics, religion, philosophy, and history. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar of South Asian culture, history, philosophy, or religion who commands the textual languages necessary to offer dedicated courses on Jainism and direct advanced research in the field. The committee also welcomes applications from scholars with an expertise in bioethics, science, or medical practices.

Key areas of scholarly engagement may also include medical ethics (such as clinical decision-making, end-of-life care,healthcare equity, genomic ethics), artificial intelligence,biotechnology, animal welfare, and planetary health.

The chair holder will play a foundational role in building the emerging field of applied Jainism, exploring how core ethical principles—specifically Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha(non-possessiveness), and Anekantavada(pluralism/non-absolutism)—inform humanistic inquiry.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Jain Studies, South Asian Studies, or a related disciplinary field by July 1, 2027, andwill be expected to teach and develop courses. Rice University hasa semester-based teaching schedule with a 2-2 teaching load. The University expects faculty members to maintain an active program of scholarly research and publication and to contribute service to the Department, University, and profession.

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic museum district and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. Rice University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has astudent body of over 4,800 undergraduates and a nearly equal numberof graduate students. The fourth largest and most diverse city inthe United States, Houston provides an opportunity for scholars to collaborate with area universities, museums, and civic organizations, and to engage with the broader metropolitan community.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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