Director, Robert . And Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program - Bloomington

Overview

The Robert

A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University, one of the world’s longest-established Jewish Studies programs, invites applications for its next Director. The position will be at the rank of full professor, beginning August 2026, and will be made in cooperation with the relevant disciplinary department. Candidates at the rank of associate professor may be considered in exceptional cases.

Depending on their research expertise, the Director may also be eligible to hold the Lou and Sybil Mervis Chair in Jewish Cultural Studies for the duration of their tenure. The appointment is for an initial four‑year term, with the expectation of renewal for at least one additional term.

As Director, the successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to sustain and grow a program that spans literature, history, politics, religious studies, gender studies, sociology, musicology, languages, and the arts. The Director will strengthen enrollment, expand partnerships, foster exchange of diverse ideological and intellectual viewpoints, and articulate and execute a compelling vision for the program’s scholarly profile, public presence, and future growth.

The program houses two centers of excellence: the Olamot Center for Scholarly and Cultural Exchange with Israel and the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism (ISCA). The Director will also support an outstanding Hebrew curriculum, a strong Yiddish program, and broad offerings in Jewish history, culture, and society.

The successful candidate will be a scholar or artist of exceptional distinction, holding a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (field‑dependent) and a record of original research or creative achievement. Candidates may come from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, arts, history, and social sciences.

The Lou and Sybil Mervis Chair in Jewish Cultural Studies was established to enhance understanding of modern Jewish culture in America, with special attention to Jewish contributions to theater and drama, humor, music, film, literature, radio and television, the visual arts, or related fields. The Chair provides resources to advance scholarship and creative work, including support for research and related needs.

Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application electronically at  Application materials include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references. Applications received before January 26, 2026 will be assured of consideration, but the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

For additional information on the Borns Jewish Studies Program, see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). For any questions about the position, please contact Dean John Ciorciari, the search committee chair, at hlsdean.

Indiana University is an equal employment opportunity and ADA services provider and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination (including contact information).