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Union College invites applications for the position of Dona and Marshall Robinson Assistant Professor in Science, Philosophy and Religion, beginning September 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by January 5, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Program in Religious Studies at Union College seeks to make a tenure-track appointment at the level of Assistant Professor in the area of Religion and Science. The appointee is expected to offer courses in religious studies, including in various aspects of religion and science, for the Religious Studies program, and also selected courses in philosophy for the Philosophy Department. It is also expected that the appointee’s teaching will support the General Education program ( https://www.union.edu/general-education ). There is an expectation that the appointee would support the work of the Templeton Institute at Union ( https://www.union.edu/templeton ) and take advantage of research and outreach opportunities afforded them there.

Applicants should have strong grounding in science and in religious studies, as well as hold a PhD in religious studies, philosophy, history, STEM, or other relevant field that interconnects science and the academic study of religion. Candidates who are ABD and will complete their degree by September, 2026 are welcome to apply. Demonstrated experience in teaching across science, philosophy and religion is highly valued, as is evidence of building institutional connections between religious studies and science. The Religious Studies program is particularly interested in candidates who work in the area of AI and spirituality. Union College recognizes the rich possibilities of interdisciplinary studies and sees this position as exemplifying the complementarity of humanistic and scientific education. Applicants should address how they would promote connections between religious studies and science at Union. Applicants should also state their areas of teaching competence in religion and science and in philosophy, together with their research expertise.

Teaching load is 2 courses per 10-week trimester, 6 courses per academic year, with a one-course reduction in the first year. Pre-tenure faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after a successful third-year review. Salary and benefits are competitive. The College offers strong support for both teaching and research. This endowed position additionally benefits from an assigned annual allowance to support research and travel.

About the Religious Studies Program: (https://www.union.edu/academic/majors-minors/religious-studies)

Religious Studies at Union is an Interdisciplinary Program with two tenured faculty and it is further supported by colleagues who teach and research aspects of the academic study of religion in the departments of Anthropology, Art History, Classics, Economics, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology. Union College highly values interdisciplinary study and the appointee would join an academic community committed to the success of intellectual bridge-building between the Humanities and Science.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.

+ Cover letter describing how your education, teaching and research, academic interests, and experience address the requirements of this position

+ Current curriculum vitae

+ Teaching statement that outlines the goals and methods of your teaching, including information regarding strategies you’ve developed for teaching students with academically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Sample syllabi are welcome

+ Research statement outlining current research interests and future research commitments or plans

Please send questions and other inquiries to Prof. Peter Bedford, Director, Religious Studies Program at [email protected]. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching and research in Religion and Science.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

+ Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)

+ Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs

+ Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development

+ Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan

+ Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability

+ Tuition programs

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?\_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) .

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Accommodations

If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at [email protected] or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.