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John R. Eckrich Chair in Religion and the Healing Arts

Employer
Valparaiso University
Location
Indiana, United States
Salary
Competitive
Date posted
Oct 3, 2017

Valparaiso University seeks to fill its John R. Eckrich Chair. The purpose of this endowed Chair is to investigate and reflect upon the message of the Lutheran Confessions as they relate to religion and the healing arts. The audience of the Chair is to be not merely the Church and the academy, but society at large.  As the significant and complex social issues that emerge especially from scientific advances come to the fore, this Chair will examine the relationship between faith and healing with appropriate constituencies.  The Chair will bring together University resources in health care, biological sciences, political science, philosophy, ethics, law, theology, and economics systematically.

Established in 1989 by a grant from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, it is a University Chair, reporting directly to the provost and providing the holder opportunities to affiliate with multiple departments and colleges. The Chair’s work is guided by an advisory committee appointed by the provost.

As one of only three such chairs at Valparaiso University, it is both a highly prestigious appointment and one to which the University looks for both academic and missional leadership. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar who has established him- or herself via a recognized body of influential work, such that s/he can be appointed immediately as a tenured associate or full professor.  Specifically, serious candidates must demonstrate knowledge in the history and literature of bioethics and a willingness to articulate views on contemporary health issues in the light of the Lutheran ethos and tradition.  Teaching experience is preferred.

The holder of the Chair normally teaches 3-4 courses per year. These may include a range of courses that combine the insights of various disciplines as they relate to faith and health.  The Chair is expected to develop and organize programs that inform the university community about bioethical issues and engage that community and the larger communities of church and society in reflection on such issues.

To help the Chair accomplish these expectations, Valparaiso University has established a generous discretionary account to be used by the Chair for travel and other professional needs.   Salary and benefit support will be commensurate with expected levels for endowed University chairs.  

A letter of application, CV, and three letters of recommendation can be submitted electronically via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/44588  E-mails with questions may be sent directly to Dr. George C. Heider, Professor of Theology and chair of the search committee, at eckrich@valpo.edu. Committee review of applications will begin on December 15, 2017, and will continue until the position is filled.

Valparaiso University does not unlawfully discriminate and aims to employ persons of various backgrounds and experiences to develop and support a diverse community. Its entire EOE policy can be found at http://www.valpo.edu/general-counsel/policies/equal-opportunity-policy/  While candidates who are Lutheran are preferred for the chair based on its mission and charge, all candidates who are sympathetic and supportive of this mission and charge will be seriously considered. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds. Employment at Valparaiso University will require a satisfactory criminal background check.

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