The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University is seeking a research associate to join an interdisciplinary team of researchers who conduct social scientific research related to the Catholic Church. The position involves survey and/or demographic research and data analysis and requires strong analytical and writing skills. Applicants with a Ph.D. in sociology, political science, demography, economics, psychology, or education and knowledge about the Catholic Church are especially well suited for this position. Applicants with a M.A. and at least two years’ experience in research will also be considered. Familiarity with SPSS and Qualtrics is important. A proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Ph.D. level appointments will be made as Georgetown research faculty at the appropriate rank.

Send curriculum vitae, a cover letter and writing sample to Thomas Gaunt, SJ, Ph.D., Executive Director, CARA, 2300 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20007; FAX: 202.687.8083; email: cara@georgetown.edu.

Faculty position with applied focus in some combination of congregations, faith-based organizations, communities, families, and individuals.

The Department of Religion at Samford University seeks a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor in the social scientific study of religion effective August 2015. Samford University is the largest privately supported and fully accredited institution of higher education in Alabama. Located in suburban Birmingham, the university was founded in 1841 and has about 325 full time faculty and over 4,800 students. The university is consistently one of the highest ranked comprehensive universities in the South.

Qualifications: Ph.D. required. The successful candidate will have a record of excellence in teaching and a promising record of research. Experience in writing and administering grants is preferred, especially for collaboration with Samford’s Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence in research and program development. Church-related experience or research is required.

Area of Expertise: The successful candidate will have expertise in the social scientific study of religion (including sociology, psychology, church social work, or anthropology) and an applied focus in some combination of congregations, faith-based organizations, communities, families, and individuals. This person will play a leading role developing our concentration in religious leadership and organizations. Possible areas of expertise and interest include religious leadership, faith-based community development, congregational studies, religion and health, faith development, and pastoral care and counseling. This person will complement the existing strengths of Samford’s faculty in its religion and social science departments including its new College of Health Sciences.

Duties: The teaching load of three courses per semester will include undergraduate courses in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences in the general areas of congregational studies, faith development, and the candidate’s field of expertise, as well as in the university’s Core Curriculum. Courses in the candidate’s expertise may include cross-listed courses in a social science department or the College of Health Sciences’s forthcoming social work program. Additional responsibilities include advising and service to the department and university and sustaining a record of achievement in research. Candidates must be willing to support the university’s Christian mission.

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Department of Religion: The department has 7 full-time faculty, approximately 50 majors and over 30 minors. For decades the department has offered academically rigorous courses in religious studies as well as courses targeted to students considering Christian ministry and religious leadership. We have recently expanded our offerings in Asian religions. The department also administers a competitive pre-ministerial scholars program that draws men and women from throughout the nation who are considering a career in Christian ministry or leadership in faith-based organizations. Religion professors regularly teach at the Daniel House, Samford’s London Study Centre, as well as in Israel. We plan to begin offering travel courses in South East Asia.

Applications: Please incorporate into a single PDF a letter of application, curriculum vitae, one- to two-page statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information for three references. Send this and, separately, three letters of recommendation to:

Kenneth Roxburgh, chair
E-mail: kbroxbur@samford.edu
Department of Religion
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on September 30, and continue until the position is filled.