Assistant Professor in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion with competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history. Beginning July 1, 2027, the candidate will design courses for undergraduates and lead advanced study for graduate students.

Strong language training and teaching excellence are essential. The department seeks scholars with a robust research record and a commitment to undergraduate education.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Religious Studies or related field required at time of application.
• ABD candidates will not be considered.
• Strong teaching record and ability to design and deliver courses in Hebrew Bible and its reception.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception.
• Offer advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in ancient Judaism; Jewish history, thought, and practice; and theory and method.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to a robust Jewish Studies curriculum at UC Davis.

Skills

Hebrew Bible & Jewish Religion

Rabbinic Judaism

Jewish history & thought

Undergraduate & graduate teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Religious Studies or related field

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: The expected salary range is $80,800 to $107,500 based on experience. Off‑scale salaries and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Application Window

Open date: September 21, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Nov 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Friday, Nov 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Department of Religion, Culture and Society at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level beginning July 1, 2027 in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion with additional competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history, thought, and practice more broadly. Knowledge of the different texts of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context and of the history and cultures of ancient Israel and Judaism is required. The successful candidate must have a well‑developed research record that demonstrates original interventions in the field of ancient Judaism and Jewish Studies. The successful candidate will have a strong teaching record and a demonstrated ability to design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception that will appeal to a broad range of students at a public university, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate‑level courses in ancient Judaism; Jewish history, thought, and practice; and the theoretical study of religion. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough grounding in the ancient and modern languages necessary to engage in Biblical scholarship. The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education and to the mentoring and professional development of graduate students. The successful candidate will be involved in maintaining a robust Jewish Studies curriculum at UC Davis.

The expected salary range is $80,800 to $107,500 based on experience. Off‑scale salaries and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field must be in hand at the time of application. ABD candidates will not be considered.

Preliminary interviews will be held on Zoom between December 14-18, 2026.

For full consideration, completed applications should be received by November 20, 2026.

Qualifications

Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion with additional competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history, thought, and practice more broadly. Knowledge of the different texts of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient context and of the history and cultures of ancient Israel and Judaism is required. The successful candidate must have a well‑developed research record that demonstrates original interventions in the field of ancient Judaism and Jewish Studies. The successful candidate will have a strong teaching record and a demonstrated ability to design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception that will appeal to a broad range of students at a public university, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate‑level courses in ancient Judaism; Jewish history, thought, and practice; and the theoretical study of religion. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough grounding in the ancient and modern languages necessary to engage in Biblical scholarship. The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate education and to the mentoring and professional development of graduate students. The successful candidate will be involved in maintaining a robust Jewish Studies curriculum at UC Davis.

A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a related field must be in hand at the time of application. ABD candidates will not be considered.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover letter describing research and teaching interests


• Statement of Teaching - With specific description for a large enrollment undergraduate course on the Hebrew Bible; one course in Jewish history, thought, and practice; and one graduate level course on theory and method (no more than 500 words)


• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.


• One (1) peer‑reviewed publication - No more than 25 pages (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• \"Misconduct\" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant\'s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties


• APM - 035: Affidavit Action Plan, 135: Assurance Policy for Faculty

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, \"Authorization to Release Information\" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco‑free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: \"To Boldly Go,\" our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA