The School of Humanities at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for the Tirthankar Shantinath Professorship in Jain Studies, with potential expertise in one or more of the following research areas: applied Jainism, bioethics, or medical humanities; or South Asian culture, religion, philosophy, or history. The position rank is open to Assistant Professors, with potential appointment at the Associate Professor level with tenure for qualified candidates. The successful candidate must qualify for an appointment in one of the departments in the School of Humanities and Arts.
Supported by a significant endowment, this chair offers a unique opportunity to establish an innovative, interdisciplinary program connecting ancient philosophical traditions with modern study of ethics, religion, philosophy, and history. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar of South Asian culture, history, philosophy, or religion who commands the textual languages necessary to offer dedicated courses on Jainism and direct advanced research in the field. The committee also welcomes applications from scholars with an expertise in bioethics, science, or medical practices. Key areas of scholarly engagement may also include medical ethics (such as clinical decision-making, end-of-life care, healthcare equity, genomic ethics), artificial intelligence, biotechnology, animal welfare, and planetary health.
The chairholder will play a foundational role in building the emerging field of applied Jainism, exploring how core ethical principles—specifically Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Anekantavada (pluralism/non-absolutism)—inform humanistic inquiry.
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Jain Studies, South Asian Studies, or a related disciplinary field by July 1, 2027, and will be expected to teach and develop courses. Rice University has a semester-based teaching schedule with a 2-2 teaching load. The University expects faculty members to maintain an active program of scholarly research and publication and to contribute service to the Department, University, and profession.
Review of applications will begin immediately, continuing until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, application materials should be submitted by November 15, 2026 (via Interfolio). Appointment begins July 1, 2027.
Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic museum district and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. Rice University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of over 4,800 undergraduates and a nearly equal number of graduate students. The fourth largest and most diverse city in the United States, Houston provides an opportunity for scholars to collaborate with area universities, museums, and civic organizations, and to engage with the broader metropolitan community.
Application Instructions:
In addition to the application, the following items must be uploaded:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Statement and Five-Year Plan
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Interests (a complete teaching portfolio, including student evaluations, will be requested from finalists)
- Sample syllabus for an undergraduate elective relevant to the position description
- Writing sample of up to 25 pages
- Three letters of recommendation
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
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