Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies

Apply now Posting #: 5494

Faculty, Full‑time regular

San Diego

Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies with Specialization in Environmental Ethics and Religion Posting # 5494

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is a diverse community of scholars who advance the teaching and study of religion with particular attention to fostering understanding of Catholic traditions. We interpret University of San Diego’s commitment to being a Laudato Si’ University as a call to support teaching and research that responds to urgent contemporary concerns. Information about the department is available diego.edu/theo.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background.

The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego announces a tenure‑track position in Religious Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2026. Area of specialization is environmental ethics and religion, approached comparatively across religious and spiritual traditions. The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate active engagement in broader conversations surrounding theory and method in the study of religion and ecology through their teaching and scholarship.

Candidates with sub‑specializations in Catholic mysticism, spiritual ecology, ecojustice, and Taylor’s conception of dark green religion will be prioritized. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence in their scholarship are preferred.

The position carries a 3‑3 teaching load. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory courses that meet the learning outcomes for USD’s theological and religious inquiry core requirement (including THRS 110: Exploring Religious Meaning) as well as upper‑division courses in the area(s) of specialization (including THRS 338: Faith and Environmental Justice). Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate teaching effectiveness in writing‑intensive courses at the undergraduate level and who can demonstrate prior success in teaching courses designed to foster critical self‑reflection on power and privilege.

Applicants must hold a PhD or its equivalent by the time of the appointment, September 2026. Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, an active scholarly agenda, and commitment to collaborative leadership are required. Qualified candidates will have at least three years of full‑time in‑person undergraduate teaching experience.

Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

$7,000–7,333.33/monthly, Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on‑campus Fitness Centers.

Click Apply Now to complete our online application. Materials should include:

• Letter of application explaining your interest in the position and envisioning how your expertise and commitments would contribute to our program and community of scholars.
• Curriculum vitae
• 1‑2 page teaching statement discussing your pedagogy, your commitment…