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XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies

Position overview

Position title: XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies
Salary range: A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $96,500 - $287,400
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025 or later

Application Window

Open date: October 24, 2024

Most recent review date: Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for a position at the rank of associate or full professor to fill the XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies. We seek a rigorous specialist in Tibetan Buddhism with a wide range of knowledge of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, history, and culture. A solid foundation in Tibetan history and in Tibetan Buddhist thought and practices is necessary to complement our research and teaching strengths in one of the preeminent programs in Buddhist Studies in the country. The area of expertise is open, as is the methodological orientation of the candidate and historical period of specialty. Research foci may include, but are not limited to, transcultural connections and dimensions of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan literary history and translation theories, Tibetan Buddhism and medical knowledge, Buddhist material culture and its theories, bodily and environmental knowledge, social ethics and political theory, and Buddhism and the arts, including performing arts. The successful candidate must have excellent knowledge of classical, literary Tibetan and competence in at least one other Buddhist language (Sanskrit, Chinese, or Mongolian). A strong record of publications consistent with the candidate’s rank, evidence of a future research trajectory, and strong participation in relevant professional organizations are required. The successful candidate must have a proven record of effective teaching at the undergraduate level, ability to mentor graduate students, and capacity to speak beyond their area of expertise to the broader field of Religious Studies or beyond.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD in Religious Studies, Tibetan Studies or related field at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in Tibetan Buddhism and Culture
• Expertise in classical Tibetan and a working knowledge in another Buddhist language.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research and potential for research productivity, as evidenced in the statement of research, writing sample, and record of research and publications
• Evidence of participation in international professional networks
• Evidence of outstanding teaching
• Willingness to contribute to public-facing programs involving Tibetan Buddhism and Culture
• Ability to foster diversity and equity in the department and the broader campus through research, teaching, and/or professional activities

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

  • One Relevant Writing Sample - Minimum of 40 pages

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

• 3 letters of reference required
Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted through UC Recruit.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02829

Help contact: alizarraga@hfa.ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA