Tirthankar Shantinath Assistant/Associate Professor in Jain Studies

About the role

The Tirthankar Shantinath Professorship in Jain Studies at Rice University’s School of Humanities is supported by a significant endowment to establish an innovative, interdisciplinary program that connects ancient Jain philosophical traditions with modern study of ethics, religion, philosophy, and history. The chairholder will play a foundational role in building the emerging field of applied Jainism, exploring how the core ethical principles of Ahimsa (non‑violence), Aparigraha (non‑possessiveness), and Anekantavada (pluralism/non‑absolutism) inform humanistic inquiry. The position is open to Assistant Professors, with the possibility of a tenure‑track appointment at the Associate Professor level for qualified candidates. The successful candidate must qualify for an appointment in one of the departments within the School of Humanities and Arts.

Responsibilities

• Teach and develop courses on Jainism at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Direct advanced research in Jain studies and related fields.
• Maintain an active program of scholarly research and publication.
• Contribute service to the Department, University, and broader profession.
• Build and develop the emerging field of applied Jainism, including engagement with medical ethics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, animal welfare, and planetary health.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Jain Studies, South Asian Studies, or a related disciplinary field by July 1, 2027.
• Eligibility for appointment in a department within the School of Humanities and Arts.
• Command of the textual languages necessary to offer dedicated courses on Jainism and to direct advanced research.

Qualifications

• Accomplished scholar of South Asian culture, history, philosophy, or religion.
• Expertise in one or more of the following research areas: applied Jainism, bioethics, medical humanities; or South Asian culture, religion, philosophy, or history.
• Welcome expertise in bioethics, science, or medical practices.
• Ability to engage in scholarly topics such as medical ethics (clinical decision‑making, end‑of‑life care, healthcare equity, genomic ethics), artificial intelligence, biotechnology, animal welfare, and planetary health.

Skills

• Proficiency in the relevant textual languages for Jain studies.
• Strong teaching abilities for undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Research and publication skills appropriate to a tenure‑track faculty position.
• Capacity for service, collaboration, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Schedule

Rice University operates on a semester‑based teaching schedule with a 2‑2 teaching load.