Assistant Professor New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies (Teaching Stream)

Teaching Stream Appointment in New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies

Emmanuel College and Victoria College invite applications for a full-time Teaching Stream appointment in New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The successful candidate should have expertise in the study of the New Testament (PhD or ThD in New Testament or related field) and the knowledge of relevant languages in the broader context of a critical early history of Christianity beyond canonical boundaries. This joint appointment between two Colleges requires a mix of teaching and administrative responsibilities. Teaching will involve New Testament courses and a range of elective courses related to Sacred Literature Studies.The administrative roles will be required at Emmanuel and the special roles will be determined by the skill sets of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise through their research, and scholarship interdisciplinary dexterity through teaching a variety of approaches including, but not limited to: the Jewish context of the emergence of the New Testament, aging and dying, gender, sexuality and embodiment (theories of the senses, emotions, disability studies), queer theory, critical race theory, ecological studies, material culture, minoritized interpretations, decolonial/postcolonial studies, other approaches that consider the ethical effects of biblical interpretation, and the roles of Christian scriptures and sacred literature in society. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and evidence of a developing scholarly research profile/reputation are essential. Openness to engage sacred literature of other religious traditions within the context of Emmanuel’s mission is important.

Emmanuel College and Victoria College are two Colleges of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Emmanuel College is a member institution of the Toronto School of Theology and a theological school of The United Church of Canada that provides educational programs (all offered conjointly with the University of Toronto) designed for Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and others preparing for a variety of vocations. Victoria College is associated with the Faculty of Arts and Science in the University of Toronto. All qualified applicants are invited to apply; however, priority will be given to qualified Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Information about both Colleges and a detailed description of the position can be viewed on our website. Emmanuel College and Victoria College are committed to diversity and equity in its faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, including those who bring intellectual perspectives from pre-modern, non-Western cultural traditions. Affiliation with The United Church of Canada and/or familiarity with both Colleges will be considered an asset. A candidate’s application file must be complete not later than November 1, 2024, for the candidate to be considered for the position.

Teaching for this appointment will
• cultivate excellence in the art of scriptural interpretation and sacred literature.
• display theological commitment and ethical sensibilities, including engaging the United Church of Canada ethos and multi-religious contexts.
• respect the dynamic and formative interaction of religious practice and critical reflection.
• correlate with the other religious and secular perspectives in constructive conversation.
• demonstrate sensitivity to a variety of religious perspectives, taking account of intercultural, interreligious, and ecumenical contexts.
• engage the socio-political, economic and cultural aspects of religious identity and diversity.
• contribute to the overall formation of undergraduate students’ critical learning and their career, and graduate students for diverse forms of ministry in religious communities and other organizations, as well as training doctoral students within the larger interdisciplinary context of Victoria University, the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto.
• support the college’s relationship with The United Church of Canada.

I. Job expectations and responsibilities
A. Teaching at Emmanuel College and Victoria College by:
1. teaching six semester-courses equivalent per academic year, courses that support Emmanuel College’s professional master’s and doctoral programs and Victoria College’s undergraduate programs
2. being available, through office hours or by appointment, to students for consultation
3. being familiar with Emmanuel College and Victoria College
B. Engaging in research, scholarship and professional activity by:
1. researching, writing and publication in areas related to New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies
2. participating in appropriate scholarly and professional associations
C. Participating in shared administrative activities of the faculty:
1. Providing leadership in one or several administrative assignments at Emmanuel
2. Serving at Emmanuel and Victoria Colleges as a member of faculty and its committees, the Emmanuel College Council, Victoria College Council, and the Senate and/or the Board of Regents of
Victoria University and its committees
3. Serving as a member of appropriate committees within the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto
4. Acting as an advisor for assigned students at Emmanuel College
5. Participating in the community life of Emmanuel College and Victoria College

The Qualifications and Qualities listed below are held to be of equal importance in performing the “Job Expectations and Responsibilities” listed above.

II. Qualifications
1. PhD or ThD or equivalent
2. Demonstrated excellence or promise of excellence in scholarly research in the area of New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies
3. Demonstrated excellence or promise of excellence in teaching
4. Demonstrated excellence or promised or excellence in administrative leadership

III. Qualities
A. Educational stance
1. ability to articulate one’s philosophy of education in higher education context for the development of religious professional leaders and academic scholars
2. fluency in a variety of teaching methods
3. commitment to the life of both Colleges and the process of considering religious and community issues in light of a general or specific concern for issues of social justice
B. Theological stance
1. ability to articulate theological positions in relation to New Testament interpretation
2. respect for the diversity of religious, theological, and secular perspectives
3. openness to interreligious, intrareligious and ecumenical dialogue
4. participation in a community of faith
C. Relation to religious communities
1. commitment to help communities of faith understand and incorporate both tradition and emerging perspectives in New Testament interpretation.
2. willingness to serve as a resource to a variety of religious communities
D. Collegiality
1. demonstrated collegial style
2. willingness to work in an interdisciplinary fashion within both Colleges’ curricula
3. willingness to collaborate with Emmanuel College, Victoria College, and Toronto School of Theology colleagues in faculty work
4. ability to be in creative dialogue with faculty colleagues, students, and the wider community

IV. Appointment procedure, salary and rank
The Appointment (teaching stream full time) will be 2/3 time at Emmanuel College and 1/3 time at Victoria College.

V. Effective Date
The appointment is to commence on or after 01 July 2025. Please send c.v. and letter of application (indicating qualifications and experience related to this position) and arrange for three confidential letters of reference to be sent separately. Materials should be submitted electronically to [email protected]. A candidate’s file must be complete no later than November 1, 2024 for the candidate to be considered for the position. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and short-listed candidates will have a campus visit.

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