Whitworth University: Assistant Professor of Theology: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament/New Testament

Assistant Professor of Theology

Hebrew Bible/Old Testament/New Testament
College of Arts and Sciences
Tenure Track
Start Date: July 1, 2015

Application review begins October 1, 2014.  The position will remain open and applications will be reviewed until filled, but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by October to ensure full consideration. We anticipate conducting interviews at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion in San Diego in November. Campus interviews are anticipated for early December 2014.

Founded in 1890, Whitworth has been consistently ranked among the top regional colleges and universities in the West. In its strong liberal arts undergraduate and graduate programs, Whitworth unites a robust commitment to Christian mission and service, academic rigor, and care for students. A community of Christian scholars carries out the university’s mission “to provide its diverse student body an education of the mind and heart” to enable students “to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity.”

Whitworth’s Theology Department excels in introducing students to the Christian faith. The curriculum includes courses in a wide variety of subjects, including biblical languages, biblical studies, Christian theology, church history, theological ethics, Christian spirituality, world religions, and philosophy of religion. The department also offers a MA in Theology and a Certification for Ministry track, which prepare students for vocational ministry. Faculty members in the department have earned a reputation for being excellent teachers, mentors, scholars, and servants of the church. Theology majors pursue a wide variety of vocational options in addition to traditional ministry in the church and para-church organizations. For a detailed description of the Theology Department and the work of its faculty, please see here 

We are seeking an active biblical scholar who is passionate about teaching the Christian Scriptures and mentoring students of all backgrounds. The candidate should be excited to commit to Whitworth’s distinctive “mind and heart” mission as a Reformed, evangelical, and ecumenical university. The area of specialization is open (within Old Testament or New Testament), but applicants must demonstrate the ability also to teach biblical theology more broadly and to connect their biblical scholarship to the life of the church. For a truly exceptional candidate, approval to hire at the level of Associate Professor may be sought.

Responsibilities and duties:

Teach seven courses a year, concentrating on biblical studies and biblical theology; serve as mentor and advisor to students; engage in research and writing in biblical studies and related fields; participate in departmental activities and governance, professional activities, and faculty assemblies, development days, retreats, and committees; contribute expertise in biblical studies to the wider campus and church community.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in biblical studies by August 2015.
• Evidence of the potential for teaching excellence at the university level.
• Evidence of the potential to make a scholarly contribution to either Old Testament or New Testament studies.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith, to the integration of faith and learning, to the flourishing of both global and local church, and to service to the Christian community.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States by the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue to work legally for the duration of appointment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communications across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to race, gender, physical limitations, class or religious perspectives.
• A commitment to equal opportunity for all persons.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
• Background check and education verification required.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The following documents are required to complete the online application form here
1. A letter of interest.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. A list of names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references; two of these must be academic references, one may be a pastor or someone who is able to speak to your ability to connect your scholarship to the life of the church, to introduce students to the Christian faith and to mentor students of all backgrounds.
4. Your graduate and undergraduate transcripts (may be unofficial).
5. Three recent student course evaluations or a note explaining why they are not available.
6. A short personal essay characterizing your Christian faith. For expanded guidelines, please see here

For more information please contact Dr. Jonathan Moo email

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. With our commitment to building a diverse community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.