McMaster University’s Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for a one-year, full-time Contractually Limited Appointment (CLA) position at the rank of Lecturer or Assistant Professor in the Department Religious Studies, located on the main university campus for the period of August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

The successful applicant must have or be very near completion of a PhD in Religious Studies, or a related discipline, by the time of the appointment. The applicant must also demonstrate a record of excellence in teaching and research and a willingness and ability to contribute to the department’s collegial and collaborative intellectual community as well as university-wide inclusive excellence goals and priorities.

The successful applicant will be expected to teach seven courses, consisting of some combination of the following departmental courses during the 2026-2027 academic year:

Three of the following courses in the Fall 2026 term (Sept-Dec)
• Apocalypse Then and Now (SCAR 2AP3)
• Religion and Law (SCAR 3RL3)
• Sport and Religion (SCAR 2SP3, online)
• Images of the Divine Feminine (SCAR 2BB3)

Three of the following courses in the Winter 2027 term (Jan-Apr):
• Who Was Jesus? (SCAR 2GG3)
• Evil (SCAR 2GR3)
• Jewish Scriptures/Old Testament (SCAR 2HB3)
• Science, Religion, Human Futures (SCAR 2RN3)
• Religion and Film (SCAR 2YY3)
• Gender and Religion (SCAR 3FF3, online)
• Love (SCAR 3Y03)

And What on Earth is Religion? (SCAR 1B03, online) in Spring 2027 term (May-June)

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. McMaster has a vision to achieve international distinction for creativity, innovation and excellence as a student-centred, research-intensive university. McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences comprises over 130 faculty members advancing education and research in collaboration with one or more of the Faculty’s 13 schools, departments and program areas. Its disciplines are preparing societal leaders to respond to economic, political and cultural shifts in Canada and abroad. Discover more about the Faculty of Social Sciences and the City of Hamilton.

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengths our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey as part of the application process. It takes approximately two minutes to complete. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. Inquiries about the Diversity Survey may be directed to hr.empequity@mcmaster.ca.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Office of the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at 905-525-9140 ext. 26156 or admstsoc@mcmaster.ca to communicate accommodation needs.

How to Apply:
Please submit the following materials through the University’s electronic portal: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/ [Job Opening #76421] by June 30, 2026, to:
Dr. Matthew Thiessen
Department of Religious Studies

• a letter of application together with a curriculum vitae describing the impact that career interruptions have had on research productivity, if applicable, research statement including a selection of research publications, and a statement on teaching interests and philosophy (including evidence of teaching effectiveness);
• a brief statement describing any contributions you have made or planned in relation to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion or inclusive excellence in teaching, research, or service within higher education, community-based, or other profession settings (2-page maximum);
• the names of three referees; letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage; the Department will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The effective date of appointment is negotiable, but August 1, 2026 is preferred. All applicants will receive an online confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University gathers information about applicants’ status as either a permanent resident of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Direct any inquiries about this position to Dr. Matthew Thiessen, matthew.thiessen@mcmaster.ca.