Reader/Professor of Japanese Buddhism

Job title: Reader/Professor in Japanese and Comparative Buddhism

Department:  School of History, Religions and Philosophies

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade:    9

Salary: £62,738.57 - £71,981.57  Inclusive of London Zone Allowance

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours:  35 hours a week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

The Department of History, Religions and Philosophies seeks to appoint a Numata Chair (Reader or Professor) in Japanese Buddhism. This is a senior academic appointment supported by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK), intended to strengthen research-led teaching in Japanese Buddhism within a global and comparative framework. The successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing scholarship, teaching, and public engagement in Buddhist Studies broadly construed, with particular emphasis on Japanese Buddhist traditions in the broader context of East Asian Buddhism and the ability to teach across East Asian religious and philosophical traditions, Buddhist text and history and/or Buddhism in relation to contemporary issues.  . The successful candidate should be fluent in the Japanese language. The successful candidate will lead the MA Buddhist Studies programme and contribute significantly to the Centre of Buddhist Studies. The postholder will design and redesign UG and PG modules such as Japanese Buddhist Thought and Religious Practices in Japan, supervise UG, PGT and PGR students, and contribute to the administration of the School.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in Buddhist Studies, Japanese Religions and/orPhilosophy, Religious Studies, or a closely related field. They should be able to demonstrate a specialist knowledge of Japanese Buddhism and broader East Asian BuddhisBuddhist Thought and a fair commitment to bringing that knowledge in conversation with global and contemporary issues. The candidate should be fluent in the Japanese language. They can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

About the Department

Our degree programmes, research and public engagement cover the rich histories, religious and philosophical traditions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We are unique for being the original and path-breaking UK higher education institution that specialises in teaching and researching history, religion, and philosophy in a critical, global, decolonial, and interdisciplinary manner. We have also led and continue to lead the world in research and education provision that makes sense of history, religion, and philosophy in a transformative way that counters essentially Western-centric and Eurocentric disciplinary models. We are the principal intellectual home of scholarly efforts that explore in-depth the dynamic and interconnected histories, religions, and philosophies of the world.

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Annual Research Stipend: The Numata Chair will have a modest a modest stipend annually to support the candidate's research and public engagement.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV, publications, and a supporting statement

Closing date:  30th April 2026            

Interviews to be held: Week Commencing May 25th 2026

Use of AI

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Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

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