Department of Religious Studies

Position Description

The Department of Religious Studies invites applications for a probationary, tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The start date is as early as July 1, 2026. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Position responsibilities include teaching and supervising in the undergraduate program, conducting research, and engaging in academic and professional service. The successful candidate will primarily teach courses within their area of expertise, contributing to the department's diverse offerings. This includes courses with contemporary and pop culture themes, interdisciplinary relevance, and broad survey topics. Candidates are encouraged to propose courses they would be interested in teaching, especially those that complement or expand the department's current offerings. The ability to teach courses related to contemporary religion in the Canadian context would be an asset. Preference will be given to candidates whose research and teaching interests include Indigenous Religions and/or the Theory and/or Sociology of Religion.

Candidates must have a PhD in Religious Studies and show evidence of strong teaching ability, including the ability to teach high-enrollment courses and utilize innovative teaching methods, such as online learning.

The department maintains a dynamic and strong research culture, and the successful candidate will be expected to engage in research, securing grants from prominent funding bodies, and undertaking scholarly projects.

The Department of Religious Studies is committed to offering intellectually stimulating instruction and an enriching environment to all students in its courses.

The Department focuses on the role which religion has played and continues to play in the life of the individual and society. Religion addresses itself to fundamental questions relating to the meaning of human existence. Religious answers to these questions reflect the encounter between human beings and the transcendent. The Department's courses, therefore, examine the relationship between religion and society, recognizing that the answers provided by religions are both shaped by and shape the society of which they are a part.

The Department's courses are intended for a broad range of undergraduate students who may also complete a major, an advanced major, or honours program in Religious Studies. Students in other disciplines can expect their appreciation of these disciplines to be enriched through a study of religion. Courses will be of interest both to students who are associated with a particular religious tradition as well as to students who have no formal religious affiliation. In breadth, we offer specialized courses in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in Western traditions, and Hinduism and Buddhism in Eastern traditions, in both classical and modern expressions, in their traditional homelands, and in North America. Our religion-specific courses are further enriched by courses in scriptural languages of Greek, Arabic, and available Latin, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Tibetan. In addition to these religion-specific courses, are the department's offerings in the various methodologies and theoretical approaches to the discipline of Religious Studies.

The department's motto, "fostering compassionate global citizenship," supports the mission of the University, in part by the inclusion of marginalized voices in course curricula and incorporating diverse pedagogical methods. The Department is seeking candidates who are committed to contributing to StFX's priorities of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Demonstrated ability in fostering a climate of inclusion in the classroom is an asset.

Consideration of applications will begin on November 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your letter of application, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research interests and experiences, and the names and email addresses of three references.

In alignment with the university's strategic and academic plans, we are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at or

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today's undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada's most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit

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