History, Berger-Neilsen Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies

Posted 9/10/2026

The Department of History at The College of Idaho invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track
appointment to the Berger-Neilsen Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies to begin in fall 2027. This position is the
first endowed chair in Judaic Studies in the state of Idaho, and one of the few such chairs in the Pacific
Northwest and the intermountain region.

The successful candidate will be a passionate, engaged teacher and productive scholar, who can provide
outreach to the broader campus and local communities. The responsibilities of the Chair also include
administering the fully endowed Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Lectureship in Judaic Studies. Candidates must
have PhD in hand at the time of appointment in August 2027.

Research specialization for this position is open, and applications are welcome from candidates
with expertise in the Middle East, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Preference will be given to candidates who
can offer engaging undergraduate courses on various topics of Jewish history and religion. Candidates will
teach at least one course related to modern Israel and Palestine, broadly defined. The ideal candidate will be
able to teach courses that would be accessible to a broad range of undergraduate students, most of whom
have little to no familiarity with Judaism. The department values candidates with experience working with and
mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. Approximately thirty percent of the students at The College of
Idaho are first-generation college students; nine percent are international students representing fifty countries,
and sixteen percent are Latinx.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States as of the expected hire date and throughout the
term of the contract without sponsorship from the College.

To apply please send a cover letter, CV, recent course evaluations, and three letters of recommendation
to careers@collegeofidaho.edu with subject line: Judaic Studies Search. Shortlisted candidates will be notified
and asked to provide a writing sample. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly from referees or
through Interfolio. Review of applications will begin on October 18, 2026, and continue until the position is
filled.

With over 134 years of history, The College of Idaho is a regional and national leader in higher education. The
College of Idaho is a mission-driven community of exceptional learning that challenges the ambitious and
forges pathways to success and purpose.

The College of Idaho is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining,
and optimizing performance and academic excellence through an inclusive workforce. The College does not
discriminate based on sex, race, color, age, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin, veteran status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.

The College offers competitive benefits, including a tuition waiver for dependents, health insurance, a
retirement plan with employer match, free access to on-campus fitness centers, and free admission to campus
events. Spouses, domestic partners, and dependents are eligible for benefits coverage.

The College of Idaho is located in Caldwell, a rural community with a vibrant downtown that is on the western
edge of the Boise metropolitan area, providing opportunities for both small-town and city living. The diverse
landscape of the area consists of river valleys, high desert, and mountains, which support a wide range of
recreational activities. Boise and the surrounding area also provide opportunities to enjoy a rich and wide array
of cultural experiences and artistic venues. More information can be found at
https://www.destinationcaldwell.com, https://visitboise.com, and https://visitidaho.org/.