Description

The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) invite applications for a joint tenure-track Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professorship in Buddhist Studies, at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin August 16, 2026. We seek a candidate who shows promise of excellence in teaching and research.

The position requires a specialization in Buddhist philosophy, with the demonstrated ability to develop and teach courses in this area within NIU’s philosophy department. The candidate must have competence in any of the Buddhist philosophical systems of Southeast Asia. Additional areas of competence in philosophy or Southeast Asian Studies are welcomed.

Responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate teaching at the standard load (2/2 for research-active faculty), research, advising, and committee work. Ph.D. required by the start date. This professorship is established with the support of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses that meet the curricular needs of the Department of Philosophy and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies
• Publish and engage in related scholarly activities
• Provide service to the department, center, university and profession
• Mentor students and contribute to exam and departmental committees, as needed

Full consideration will be given to all applications received by November 3, 2025.

Applicants should visit NIU online application portal to submit the following materials:

• Cover letter: In the letter, please describe your interest in the position and be sure to address how you meet the position requirements, including language proficiency.
• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of graduate courses taken
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) through the NIU Human Resource Services’ online job application system
• Sample of written work, of roughly 7,000-10,000 words
• Brief research statement of no more than three pages
• Teaching portfolio, including a statement of teaching philosophy and 1-2 sample syllabi for courses you have taught or would like to teach (one for an undergraduate course in Buddhist philosophy)

In addition, please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent on your behalf to philosophy@niu.edu. The position #6333 should be included in the subject line of each email.

Applications submitted after November 3, 2025 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

Official graduate transcripts are required upon hire. Successful completion of a background check is also required upon hire.

Questions can be directed to philosophy department chair, Jason Hanna, jhanna@niu.edu.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Writing Sample
• Research Statement
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents:

• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)

Requirements

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field conferred by the start date
• Proficiency in Sanskrit, Pali, classical Chinese or one of the vernacular languages of Southeast Asia

Preferred Qualifications

• Relationships or partnerships with scholars and institutions in Southeast Asia
• Basic working knowledge of one of the vernacular languages of Southeast Asia