Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies

The Department of Catholic Studies of the University of St. Thomas invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor to begin September 1, 2025. The Department offers an undergraduate major and minor as well as a graduate certificate and degree (MA) in Catholic Studies. Guided by the principles of Ex corde ecclesiae and Fides et ratio, we are committed to sustaining and developing the Catholic intellectual tradition. We seek candidates who share these commitments.

As an interdisciplinary department, we seek candidates whose disciplinary expertise is coupled with an interdisciplinary habit of mind and an ability to teach in an interdisciplinary way. To this end, we seek candidates with expertise in one of the multiple elements of the Catholic intellectual tradition (including but not limited to history, literature, art, theology or philosophy) and expect that candidates will demonstrate how their teaching engages the tradition as a coherent whole. (Candidates from disciplines other than theology are encouraged to apply.) Candidates should have formal preparation in their discipline, a clear scholarly agenda, and evidence of ability to teach across disciplinary boundaries. The successful candidate must have a PhD (U.S. or foreign equivalent degree) in history, literature, art, theology, or philosophy or a closely related field. Alternatively, ABD candidates nearing completion of their PhD will be considered.

The person hired for this position will be expected to teach the department’s core courses, as well as other undergraduate and graduate courses. (For information on our core courses, click

https://www.stthomas.edu/catalog/current/cath/ and then scroll down to the list of course offerings, and click on course descriptions for Cath 101, Cath 205, and Cath 301.) The person hired will also be expected to develop hybrid in-person/online courses for the Catholic Studies MA program https://cas.stthomas.edu/degrees-programs/graduate/catholic-studies/. The standard teaching load is six courses (24 credits) per year. There are also the customary expectations for scholarship and service. To learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas, please visit Life as a Faculty Member.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  We welcome applicants of diverse races, ethnicities, geographic origins, gender identities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, religions, work experience, physical and intellectual abilities, and financial means. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. This commitment is consistent with our university mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits
• All eligible full-time faculty may request Parental Leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

• Interdisciplinary habit of mind and ability to teach in an interdisciplinary way
• Expertise in multiple elements of the Catholic intellectual tradition
• PhD (U.S. or foreign equivalent degree) in history, literature, art, theology, or philosophy or a closely related field
• Alternatively, ABD candidates nearing completion of the PhD will be considered

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. After creating and submitting an applicant profile, you will be taken to the job-specific application.  Please complete the following steps: 

• Copy/paste a cover letter, detailing your interest in the position.
• Upload a copy of your curriculum vitae.
• Upload a teaching statement describing your teaching philosophy and how you understand your teaching to engage the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Upload a scholarly writing sample.
• Complete the reference section of the application by providing contact information for three professional references. No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate.

Any questions regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Erika Kidd at [email protected]. The position remains open until filled. Full consideration will be given to applications received by October 1, 2024. Review of application materials will begin on October 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. 

Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is located in the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and is Minnesota’s largest private university. Its 9,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs.

Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.