Description
Assistant Professor of Religion, Technology, and Digital Media Wake Forest University — Department for the Study of Religions
Wake Forest University's Department for the Study of Religions invites applications for a tenure-track position in Religion, Technology, and Digital Media at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning July 2027. The successful candidate will demonstrate in their research and teaching the Teacher-Scholar ideal valued by Wake Forest. We seek highly qualified candidates whose research, teaching, and service demonstrate a commitment to engaging a wide range of perspectives and fostering the success of students across backgrounds and experiences.
Potential Research Areas (Illustrative, not exhaustive)
Religious engagements with digital media and/or artificial intelligence applications in spiritual guidance, religious education, ritual practices, and/or scriptural interpretation
The impacts of digital technologies and/or artificial intelligence on concepts such as self-identity, agency, personhood, moral reasoning, ritual, and/or meaning across religious traditions
The ethical and religious implications of digitally created religious content
The ways in which digital technologies are reshaping religious authority, authenticity, and/or experience
Key Responsibilities
Teach two courses per semester
Offer existing introductory courses and develop new ones to meet general education requirements
Develop innovative upper-level undergraduate courses in areas of specialization
Maintain an active research program, conducting and publishing original research at the intersection of religion and digital technologies
Potentially develop collaborative relationships with faculty and contribute to the university's new AI for Human Flourishing initiativeBasic
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Religious Studies at time of appointment.
Candidates with a Ph.D. in a related field will be considered only with substantial graduate training in the academic study of religion/religious studies
A publication record or clear potential for high-quality scholarly output in religion, technology, and digital media
Commitment to public scholarship, policy engagement, or industry dialogue
Teaching experience in relevant subject areas
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should apply via the University's career website at www.wfu.careers. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and close on 16 October 2026.
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file and must include the following:
- A cover letter addressing the candidate's interest in joining our teacher-scholar community and their approach to teaching and supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds
- A curriculum vitae and three professional letters of reference
- A teaching statement, including a plan for creating an effective and engaging learning environment in a liberal arts context (no more than 500 words)
- A research statement describing future plans and the potential impact of scholarly work (no more than 500 words)
- A writing sample of 5,000–8,000 words
- 6. Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as course evaluations or course portfolios
- Copies of graduate transcript(s) (official copies required only upon employment
Requirements
For additional questions about the position, please contact Dr. Lucas Johnston (johnstlf@wfu.edu). Questions about the application and submission process may be addressed to wakejobs@wfu.edu. About Wake Forest University Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. With more than 5,400 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate and professional students, Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. For more information, visit: about.wfu.edu.Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, a beautiful, mid-sized city centrally in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina. To learn more about Winston-Salem, visit: www.visitwinstonsalem.com. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and military or veteran status. Accommodations for Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or 336-758-4700.
