Historical Studies of Islam - Professor

Vibrant, multidisciplinary and innovative, the Faculty of Arts and Science is one of Université de Montréal’s largest faculties. Through its 28 departments, schools, centres and one institute, it offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, some of which are unique in Quebec. It is also home to some 30 interdisciplinary research centres and groups. Every day, its 650 faculty members are helping shape a better tomorrow by advancing knowledge and encouraging the convergence of perspectives.

The Institut d’études religieuses examines religions from a variety of perspectives—historical and contemporary, fundamental and applied—by integrating the study of religion, theology, and spirituality through numerous interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. At the Institute, you will conduct research and teach on the historical aspects of Islam.

Day-to-day responsibilities
Through your undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and your research activities, you will contribute to the faculty’s pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, you will promote your discipline and actively participate in the daily activities of a renowned institution. As such, you will:

• Develop an independent, original, and high-level research program based on the critical analysis of primary sources in their original language(s) and demonstrating an excellent command of the methods and debates specific to the historical study of Islam from a religious studies perspective;
• Teach at all three academic levels, including general courses on Islam and its history at the undergraduate level, as well as specialized seminars at the graduate level;
• Supervise master’s and doctoral students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, in the preparation of their theses and dissertations;
• Contribute to the methodological and professional training of students;
• Participate in program development, scholarly activities, and the collegial operations of the institution;
• Actively contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the University’s reputation through conferences and scholarly activities at the local, national, and international levels;
• Develop collaborations and participate in national and international research networks.)

Qualifications

• Hold a Ph.D. in religious studies or a field deemed equivalent;
• Have an excellent publication record in the relevant field or demonstrate excellent potential for publication in the field;
• Demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality university-level instruction and student mentoring (including research language(s), critical analysis of sources, historical methods, and scholarly writing and publication);
• Proven expertise in the historical study of classical Islam and its texts;
• Advanced proficiency in Classical Arabic and, depending on the area of specialization, in other languages necessary for the independent analysis of sources;
• Ability to conduct cutting-edge research in the relevant field;
• Ability to work as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment and in collaboration with the faculty.
• Have adequate proficiency of the French language or be committed to learning it once hired, through the Université de Montréal’s French language support program, in accordance with the Université de Montréal language policy.

The following qualifications will also be considered:

• Experience in university teaching;
• Expertise in diverse historical and cultural regions (e.g., Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Persian world, etc.);
• Expertise in a cross-cutting theme rooted in the religious studies discipline (e.g., postcolonial/decolonial theories, gender and sexuality studies, environmental studies, spiritual studies, etc.);
• Significant involvement in academic research networks.

Additional information about the position

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits
• Expected start date: June 1^st, 2027
• Located at the Montreal Campus

How to submit your application
Submit your application through our online recruitment system (click on the “Apply for job” button) before November 30, 2026. Your application must include the following documents:

• A cover letter
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of, or links to, three recent publications or research papers
• A statement outlining your teaching and mentoring experience and approach
• A research program proposal
• Three letters of recommendation submitted directly by the referees to the department
• A copy of your doctoral dissertation;
• The following limits must be respected: A 500-word statement on your experience and a 500-word statement on your approach to teaching and mentoring

Contact information

Jean-François Roussel, Chair
Institut d’études religieuses
Faculté des arts et des sciences
[email protected]

UdeM places the values of diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of each of its missions. It adopts a broad and inclusive definition of diversity that goes beyond applicable laws, and encourages all qualified individuals, regardless of their characteristics, to apply. To learn more about the Université de Montréal's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, click here. 

Université de Montréal’s application process allows all members of the Professor’s Assembly to review the application files submitted. If you wish to keep your application confidential until the shortlist is established, please mention it in your application.