Postdoctoral Research & Teaching Associate

Posting Number G/R27923P

Working Title Postdoctoral Research & Teaching Associate

Department Franklin-Religion

About the University of Georgia 

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department 

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, is the heart of UGA’s liberal arts learning environment. The research, scholarship and creative output by the faculty and students in more than 30 academic units set the pace for a dynamic environment at Georgia’s flagship institution.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is committed to advancing and sharing knowledge while fostering and inspiring creativity across the sciences, technology, arts and humanities, including data science and AI. In the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, one will experience the thrill of being part of an energetic academic and professional environment, surrounded by individuals whose innovative ideas are shaping the future and positively impacting society.

College/Unit/Department website https://religion.uga.edu/

Employment Type Employee

Additional Schedule Information 

Advertised Salary $58,656

Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2025

Posting Date 12/12/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, a statement of research interest, a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, writing sample of work related to theologically engaged anthropology, and contact information for three recommendations.

Applications received by January 20th, 2025, will receive full consideration. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Derrick Lemons at dlemons@uga.edu

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EOO StatementThe University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values StatementThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Duties/ResponsibilitiesTeaching: The postdoctoral researcher will teach four courses per year related to theologically engaged anthropology, with a focus on ethics, culture, and religious practices. Specifically, the postdoctoral researcher will Teach a rotation of RELI 1003-Introduction to Religious Thought, RELI 4111 Theologically Engaged Anthropology, and RELI 4640 Anthropology of Religion. This teaching load is reflective of a tenure-track faculty member with a 50% teaching and 50% research. Ultimately, their teaching will prepare them for a competitive job market which requires teaching experience and excellent pedagogy.

Percentage of time 50

Duties/ResponsibilitiesThe postdoctoral researcher will dedicate 50% of their time to research. Toward that end, the postdoctoral researcher will have the following opportunities to receive regular support and feedback.

• Monthly Seminars: The postdoctoral researcher will participate in monthly seminars featuring guest speakers from both anthropology and theology, focusing on case studies and key theoretical frameworks that address the intersection of the two disciplines.
• Workshops and Conferences: The postdoctoral researcher will participate in interdisciplinary workshops, where scholars will present research on themes related to theologically engaged anthropology, as well as the role of religious and cultural practices in supporting or hindering human flourishing.
• International Presentations: The postdoctoral researcher will present research findings at international conferences in anthropology, theology, and religious studies, helping to disseminate the knowledge gained from the project to a broader academic audience.
• Publications: The researcher will contribute to the development of a special issue for an academic journal focused on theologically engaged anthropology, as well as collaborate on a book project that will make the insights from the project accessible to a wider readership.

Percentage of time 50

Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AC

FLSA Exempt

UGA Job Code 

FTE 1.0

Minimum Qualifications 

Position Summary 

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to advancing the field of theologically engaged anthropology by working on the following key goals:

1. Ethical Criteria Development: Collaborate with theologians and anthropologists to create a set of ethical criteria that respects cultural diversity while upholding a shared vision of human flourishing. This work will involve balancing relativism, which avoids making value judgments about cultural practices, with judgmentalism, which may impose external ethical standards without understanding the cultural context. The goal is to establish a framework for making ethical judgments that are both contextually informed and grounded in theological reflection.

2. Fieldwork Integration: Analyze fieldwork that combines anthropological observation with theological analysis. The postdoctoral researcher will study religious practices and moral reasoning in specific cultural settings, focusing on how religious doctrines and practices influence social life and contribute to or hinder human flourishing. This fieldwork will be integral to developing case studies that illustrate how theologically engaged anthropology can provide insights into complex moral and ethical issues.

3. Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Foster conversations between theologians and anthropologists, aiming to bridge gaps between doctrinal teachings and lived religious practices. The postdoctoral researcher will facilitate interdisciplinary seminars, workshops, and conferences, where both emerging and senior scholars can exchange ideas, collaborate on shared projects, and develop a deeper understanding of how anthropology and theology can inform each other.

4. Publications and Dissemination: The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in producing academic publications that highlight the insights gained from combining theological and anthropological perspectives. These publications will target both academic audiences and broader public discourse, addressing pressing issues such as the role of religion in human flourishing, ethical decision-making in cross-cultural contexts, and the moral responsibilities of anthropologists and theologians. The researcher will also work on a special issue for an academic journal and contribute to a collaborative book project that makes the insights from the project accessible to a wider audience.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position 

• PhD or equivalent in Anthropology or Theology
• Fluency in English
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Evidence of understanding of and commitment to Theologically Engaged Anthropology.
• Strong commitment to pedagogy.
• Ability to organize academic panels and conferences.

Physical DemandsAbility to work full time doing research and teaching

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a requirement of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Background Investigation Policy 

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details 

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Derrick Lemons

Recruitment Contact Email dlemons@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

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