Position in Religion, Violence, and Peace

Harvard Divinity School seeks to appoint a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member whose teaching and research examine the relationship of religion, violence, and peace in the contemporary world. We are open to any areas and methodologies of expertise that pertain to the study of religion. The successful candidate might bring historical, theological, sociological, anthropological, or other approaches to the examination of cultural traditions, ethnic identities, regional dynamics, political culture, communal tensions, or interfaith relations as they relate to religion, violence, and peace. Inter- or multidisciplinary approaches will also be welcome. Applicants must be competent in research languages appropriate to their area of specialization. Excellence in both teaching and research is required.  

This is an open-rank search and the successful candidate will be appointed to the rank appropriate to their experience. They will work closely with students in all of the Divinity School’s master’s degree programs and the doctoral program in the Study of Religion within the Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. It is likely that they will also teach undergraduates in the Comparative Study of Religion at Harvard College and work with graduate students in related departments of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. It is also anticipated that they will be in conversation with those in other programs and schools at Harvard engaged in the study of conflict, violence, and peace or training to become practitioners. Completion of doctoral degree is required by June 30, 2025.  

Applications should be made online at: academicpositions.harvard.edu. Applications must include a CV, cover letter and writing sample. Candidates for untenured rank appointment (assistant and associate) should also provide the names and email addresses of three professional references who are prepared to submit letters of recommendations. The School may contact those persons directly at a later stage in the search. Review of applications will begin on January 13, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.  

Letters of nomination are welcome. Applicants should address any questions regarding the position itself or the online application system to the search office. Please contact us at religion-violence-peace-search@hds.harvard.edu 

HDS is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action employer, and encourages applications and nominations of women and/or ethnic minority candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.