Assistant Professor, Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies - Northern Illinois University
A student browses the Burmese Buddhist art collection in Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University. Undergraduates will soon be able apply forthcoming coursework in Buddhist Studies toward the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ minor in Southeast Asian Studies.
Overview
The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) invite applications for a joint tenure-track Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professorship in Buddhist Studies, at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin August 16, 2026. We seek a candidate who shows promise of excellence in teaching and research. The position requires a specialization in Buddhist philosophy, with the demonstrated ability to develop and teach courses in this area within NIU’s philosophy department. The candidate must have competence in any of the Buddhist philosophical systems of Southeast Asia. Additional areas of competence in philosophy or Southeast Asian Studies are welcomed. Responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate teaching at the standard load (2/2 for research-active faculty), research, advising, and committee work. Ph.D. required by the start date. This professorship is established with the support of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public university serving over 16,000 students. Located in DeKalb, Illinois, an affordable and growing community 65 miles west of Chicago, NIU is classified as a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-Higher Research Activity institution. NIU’s students are drawn from many backgrounds, and the university features seven cultural resource centers, including the Asian American Resource Center. CSEAS, a National Resource Center housed within NIU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers courses of study in five Southeast Asian languages: Burmese, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, and Tagalog. Its 28 associated faculty come from 12 departments and teach the languages, cultures, history, and politics of the region. The NIU philosophy department, also housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers baccalaureate and Master’s degree programs. It has strengths in most sub-fields of contemporary philosophy, as well as the history of philosophy.
Position Summary
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies will be an active researcher who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Department of Philosophy and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Additional responsibilities include committee work and student advising in both units.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses that meet the curricular needs of the Department of Philosophy and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Publish and engage in related scholarly activities
Provide service to the department, center, university and profession
Mentor students and contribute to exam and departmental committees, as needed
Minimum Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in a relevant field conferred by the start date
Proficiency in Sanskrit, Pali, classical Chinese or one of the vernacular languages of Southeast Asia
Preferred Qualifications
Relationships or partnerships with scholars and institutions in Southeast Asia
Basic working knowledge of one of the vernacular languages of Southeast Asia
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
Writing Sample
Research Statement
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Optional Documents
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)
