Assistant Professor of Theology

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theology to begin August 1, 2027. The appointment emphasizes teaching in theology and scholarly research across degree programs, including M.A. and Ph.D.

curricula. Responsibilities include teaching courses in theology, contributing to scholarship with publications, and participating in governance and life of the School and Graduate Program. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Demonstrated promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of theology.
• Specialization in one or more areas of theology, such as systematic, historical, philosophical, constructive, theology and culture, or contextual theology.

Responsibilities

• Full-time teaching and scholarship in theology.
• Teach courses in Perkins School of Theology and the Graduate Program in Religious Studies (M.A. and Ph.D. curricula).
• Engage in scholarship, including publications, in the field of appointment.
• Participate in the life and governance of Perkins School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and SMU.

Skills

Teaching ability

Scholarly research

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

Job description

Perkins School of Theology

Southern Methodist University

Assistant Professor of Theology

Position Number 52061

This is a full-time, tenure track appointment.

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is seeking to fill a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment in theology. Position to begin on August 1, 2027. The responsibilities and qualifications are as follows:

Responsibilities

Full-time teaching and scholarship in theology.

1. Teaching courses in the various degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in the M.A. and Ph.D. curricula of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies of Southern Methodist University. Required courses in systematic theology are expected as well as electives in one’s areas of specialization and interest. Co-teaching may be required in systematic theology. Scholarship, including publications, in the field of appointment.

Participation in the life and work of Perkins School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and other parts of Southern Methodist University, including the structures of governance, exercising the responsibilities normally assumed by faculty members.

Qualifications

Essential

1. Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Demonstrated promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of theology. Specialization in one or more of areas of theology, such as systematic theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, constructive theology, theology and culture, or contextual theology. Commitment to the primary objectives both of Perkins School of Theology to prepare persons for leadership in the church and in Christian ministry, and of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies to prepare persons for leadership in the academy. Commitment to teaching in all the degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in all approved modes of instruction (including in-person, online, and hybrid). Familiarity with the historic and ecumenical traditions of Christianity, including their Wesleyan forms. Commitment to working in a religiously and theologically diverse and pluralistic community. Knowledge of and commitment to the life of a faith community.

Preferred

1. Background, interests, perspectives, and abilities that complement those of other members of the faculty, with an openness to creative pedagogical and academic collaboration across disciplines. Ability to teach Introduction to the History of Christianity. Ordination or membership in a Methodist or other Christian communion. Ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and teaching in the School of Theology and the wider University. Certification or experience in online teaching.

To receive priority consideration, complete applications must be received by October 15, 2026, and to ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 15, 2026. The committee will, however, continue to accept and review applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

About Southern Methodist University SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas—the dynamic center of one of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing, and most diverse regions—offers unique learning, research, social, and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty, and alumni to make a global impact.

About Perkins School of Theology Perkins, the oldest graduate professional school at SMU, is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five University-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School’s graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. Perkins makes theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world. Bridwell Library, one of the most distinguished theological research institutions in North America, is home to the World Methodist Museum and has the largest collection of original John Wesley letters outside of England.

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.