Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellow, Buddhist Studies The George Mason University, Department of Religious Studies invites applications for a 12-month Postdoctoral Appointment in Buddhism and South Asian Religions to begin in fall 2022 and eligible for renewable annually for two additional years. The Department of Religious Studies and GMU as an institution have a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among their faculty and staff and strongly encourage candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment. About the Department of Religious Studies: The Department of Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary unit that offers an undergraduate major and minor in Religious Studies as well as minors in Islamic Studies and Judaic Studies and a master's concentration in Religious Studies. Through its courses and faculty research, students examine the ways that religious ideas, texts, practices, and materials engage with and are influenced by cultural traditions. More about the Department of Religious Studies (including degree programs, courses, and core faculty) available at: https://religious.gmu.edu/.About the Position:The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Religious Studies within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and will participate in the CHSS Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellows Program (https://chss.gmu.edu/faculty/faculty-hiring-resources) that supports and fast tracks CHSS postdoctoral fellows in their career development.Responsibilities:Within a 2-2 teaching load, the successful candidate will teach standard introductory comparative religious studies courses, lower through upper level undergraduate courses on religions of South Asia and of their own design appropriate for a public university, and upper and graduate level courses on theories and interdisciplinary methods in the study of religion. Required Qualifications:PhD in the field of Religious Studies (or related course of study) by the time of appointment;Primary and extensive knowledge of the history of Buddhist religious and philosophical thought, ethics, rituals, institutions, etc.;Broad knowledge of Hinduism, Jainism, and other South Asian and East Asian religions; Proficiency in the languages germane to the field and specifically the applicant's own research focus (e.g., Sanskrit, Tibetan, Pali, etc.); A compelling research agenda that promises original and significant work in the field; Competence in teaching a range of courses in historical, cultural, and comparative and cross-cultural studies to a highly diverse student population; Commitment to equity and inclusion in the classroom. Preferred Qualifications:Competence in teaching courses in Religious Studies theories and methods;Competence in teaching scholarly research and professional writing to undergraduates; Interest and ability to engage with other scholars and areas of scholarly inquiry across the university (e.g., gender and sexuality; identity and power; race and ethnicity; literary and material culture; modern philosophy and global ethics, etc.).

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, CV, sample of scholarly writing (c.20 pages max., preferably published), a teaching statement that addresses commitment to and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a list of three professional references with contact information (please also arrange for the letters themselves to be sent to the below address).Three letters of recommendations are to be sent to: Kenneth Santos, ksantos6@gmu.edu. Inquiries should be directed to Prof. Young-Chan Ro, yro@gmu.edu, Chair of the search committee.Preference will be given to complete applications received by October 31, 2021.

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