Call for Applications: Visiting Research Scholar in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh invites independent scholars based in the Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania region or intending to visit Pittsburgh for a substantial length of time during academic year 2023-2024 to apply for Research Scholar/Academic Visitor status in the department. This is intended for scholars who are not currently or recently employed at the University of Pittsburgh.

Research scholars will participate in the academic and intellectual life of the department and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. This position is a non-stipendiary position and does not receive salary or benefits from the university. The Department cannot provide private office space or computer equipment but will provide access to university and department library facilities. The research scholar is expected to join in department colloquia and seminars.

This position does not have teaching responsibilities and status as a Research Scholar/Academic Visitor does not imply preferment for part-time ancillary teaching positions.

The applicant should hold a PhD or the equivalent in Religious Studies or a cognate field (History, Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy, etc.) and be currently engaged in academic research on religion. Projects that are theological or missionizing in nature are not eligible for support. Graduate students working on PhD dissertations and enrolled at institutions other than Pitt or Carnegie-Mellon University may also apply.

Applicants should also be able to identify a faculty member in the department who would be willing to serve as a mentor, research collaborator, or host/point-of-contact for the research scholar during their time at Pitt. Such a sponsor/host should be confirmed in advance of application to the Department chair.

After confirmation of a faculty host, the applicant should send the following to the Chair of the Department, Adam Shear (ashear@pitt.edu) to apply:

1. A copy of the email from a department faculty member confirming their willingness to sponsor the research scholar’s time at Pitt.
2. A letter of application that explicitly addresses the following:
   1. A description of the research project or projects that the research scholar will work on at Pitt.
   2. An explanation of their interest in becoming a research scholar/affiliate of the Department of Religious Studies. They should explain how the affiliation will benefit their work and how their involvement in the department will further the mission and aims of the department.
   3. An indication of the proposed time frame (up to one year) of affiliation with the department. The minimum period for a visit of this nature is two weeks but stays under one month will usually be granted only in extraordinary circumstances
3. An academic C.V.
4. The name, affiliation, and email of one academic reference from outside the University of Pittsburgh who can speak to the applicant’s research qualifications and their involvement in academic settings. For graduate students, this should be the dissertation supervisor.

The applicant will be notified after department review and if accepted, the department chair will work with the applicant to move through the university academic visitor onboarding process. Please note: this is available only to scholars with US citizenship, permanent residence, or existing visa status in the US. The Department and the University cannot provide assistance or sponsorship for a visa for this position to non-US nationals.