Assistant Professor of Theology

Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University
Assistant Professor of Theology
Position Number 52061
This is a full-time, tenure track appointment.

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is seeking to fill a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment in theology. Position to begin on August 1, 2027. The responsibilities and qualifications are as follows:

I. Responsibilities

A. Full-time teaching and scholarship in theology.

1. Teaching courses in the various degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in the M.A. and Ph.D. curricula of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies of Southern Methodist University. Required courses in systematic theology are expected as well as electives in one’s areas of specialization and interest. Co-teaching may be required in systematic theology.
2. Scholarship, including publications, in the field of appointment.

B. Participation in the life and work of Perkins School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, and other parts of Southern Methodist University, including the structures of governance, exercising the responsibilities normally assumed by faculty members.

II. Qualifications

A. Essential

1. Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
2. Demonstrated promise as a scholar and teacher in the field of theology.
3. Specialization in one or more of areas of theology, such as systematic theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, constructive theology, theology and culture, or contextual theology.
4. Commitment to the primary objectives both of Perkins School of Theology to prepare persons for leadership in the church and in Christian ministry, and of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies to prepare persons for leadership in the academy.
5. Commitment to teaching in all the degree programs of Perkins School of Theology and in all approved modes of instruction (including in-person, online, and hybrid).
6. Familiarity with the historic and ecumenical traditions of Christianity, including their Wesleyan forms.
7. Commitment to working in a religiously and theologically diverse and pluralistic community.
8. Knowledge of and commitment to the life of a faith community.

B. Preferred

1. Background, interests, perspectives, and abilities that complement those of other members of the faculty, with an openness to creative pedagogical and academic collaboration across disciplines.
2. Ability to teach Introduction to the History of Christianity.
3. Ordination or membership in a Methodist or other Christian communion.
4. Ability to engage in interdisciplinary research and teaching in the School of Theology and the wider University.
5. Certification or experience in online teaching.

Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) writing sample, 4) statement of teaching philosophy, 5) an outline for a course syllabus in theology, 6) statement of research agenda, and 7) three confidential letters of recommendation. Submit application materials electronically to: (Interfolio link). Submit application materials electronically to Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/191886, to the attention of Ms. Avery Pryer, Executive Assistant to the Dean.

To receive priority consideration, complete applications must be received by October 15, 2026, and to ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 15, 2026. The committee will, however, continue to accept and review applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

About Southern Methodist University
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas—the dynamic center of one of the nation’s largest, fastest-growing, and most diverse regions—offers unique learning, research, social, and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty, and alumni to make a global impact.

About Perkins School of Theology
Perkins, the oldest graduate professional school at SMU, is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five University-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School’s graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. Perkins makes theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world. Bridwell Library, one of the most distinguished theological research institutions in North America, is home to the World Methodist Museum and has the largest collection of original John Wesley letters outside of England.

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.