Assistant Professor in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion

American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature; 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 position in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Religion, with additional competency in Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish history, thought, and practice. The candidate should show a strong research record and ability to teach broadly across introductory to graduate courses.

Required: PhD in Religious Studies or related field at time of application; ABD not considered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Religious Studies or related field required at time of application.
• ABD candidates will not be considered.
• Strong research record and teaching portfolio in Hebrew Bible and ancient Judaism.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver undergraduate courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception.
• Teach advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in ancient Judaism; Jewish history, thought, and practice.
• Contribute to maintaining UC Davis's robust Jewish Studies curriculum through mentorship and scholarship.

Skills

Hebrew Bible knowledge

Undergraduate teaching

Graduate mentorship

Education

PhD in Religious Studies or related field

Job 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.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM - 035: Affidative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

“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 or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
APM - 035: Affidative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Applicants must have a strong research record and well-developed teaching portfolio in Hebrew Bible in its ancient context, the history and culture of ancient Israel and Judaism, with additional competency in Jewish history, thought, and practice. Interest in the historical, comparative, and theoretical study of religion is welcomed. Applicants should be prepared to teach introductory courses in the Hebrew Bible and its reception, ancient Judaism, the history of Judaism, Jewish history, thought, and practice, and Religious Studies broadly conceived, as well as specialized courses in these areas at the advanced undergraduate and graduate level. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, as well as an interest in the mentorship of undergraduates and the 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 discipline is required at the time of application.