Inside Higher Ed Is Hiring An Assistant Professor

Join UC Berkeley's Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures as an Assistant Professor specializing in Hebrew Bible, with a start date of July 1, 2026. This position offers a competitive salary, a vibrant academic community, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Position Overview 🌍

Title: Assistant Professor

Salary Range: $80,800 - $128,700 (9-month academic year), with potential for off-scale pay to meet competitive conditions.

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Application Timeline 🗓️

• Open Date: September 17, 2025
• Next Review Date: October 31, 2025, 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
• Final Date to Apply: October 31, 2025, 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

About the Position 📚

The University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures (MELC) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in Hebrew Bible. The position involves teaching and research centered on the Hebrew Bible in its ancient contexts, engaging with interdisciplinary scholarship across humanities and social sciences.

Key Responsibilities 🌟

• Teach 3-4 courses annually at graduate and undergraduate levels, including Biblical Hebrew.
• Oversee and contribute to the Hebrew language program.
• Participate in teaching the department’s introductory survey courses.
• Mentor undergraduate students and supervise graduate students.
• Engage in research, service, and departmental initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Collaborate with campus units such as the Center for Jewish Studies and Graduate Group in Ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Work-Life Balance 🌈

UC Berkeley values work-life balance and welcomes candidates with non-traditional career paths, career breaks for family reasons, or outside achievements. We support faculty family needs, including dual career couples and single parents. For more information about relocation and spousal employment, visit: http://ofew.berkeley.edu/new-faculty.

Qualifications 🎓

Basic Qualifications (by application deadline) ✅

• PhD or equivalent international degree, or enrolled in a PhD program at the time of application.

Additional Qualifications (by start date) ✔️

• Advanced training and proficiency in Biblical Hebrew, with ability to conduct primary source research.
• Experience teaching undergraduate courses on the Hebrew Bible and engagement with related traditions.
• Engagement with scholarship in additional humanities or social sciences.

Preferred Qualifications 🌟

• Training in Northwest Semitic Languages (e.g., Aramaic, Ugaritic).
• Knowledge of relevant languages, scripts, and textual sources from the ancient Middle East.
• Understanding of Hebrew's influence on later texts and reception in cultural traditions.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy and supporting student success.

Application Components 📝

Candidates must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae: Include publications, forthcoming works.
• Cover Letter: Describe research trajectory, teaching plans, pedagogical approach, and service interests.
• Writing Sample: One representative publication chapter, article, or dissertation chapter.
• Authorization to Release Information Form: Complete, sign, and upload (for reference checks).

Referee Contact Information 📞

Submit 3-5 references (contact info only). References will only be contacted with candidate permission during serious consideration.

Apply Today! 🚀

Visit the application link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05107

Help contact: e_anaya26@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley 🌟

UC Berkeley is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and a vibrant community committed to research, teaching, and service. We adhere to policies promoting equal opportunity and nondiscrimination and value candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with non-traditional careers or family considerations.

As part of the application, all applicants must submit a signed Authorization of Information Release form. Finalists will be required to disclose any misconduct findings within the past seven years.

Additional Information & Policies 📋

• Employment is contingent upon compliance with university policies.
• Final candidates must disclose any recent misconduct decisions.
• UC Berkeley is an equal opportunity employer committed to a safe and inclusive environment.

Location 🏢

Berkeley, CA