News

Remembering Birger A. Pearson (1934–2025)

Daniel Zimmerman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Birger Albert Pearson. Pearson passed away on April 16th, 2025 at the age of 90.Photo of Birger Pearson

Pearson was born in California in 1934. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Classical Languages from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ in 1957 and received his Master of Arts in Greek from UC Berkeley two years later. In 1962, Pearson earned his Bachelor of Divinity in Biblical Studies and Theology from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and six years later he completed his doctorate in New Testament and Christian Origins from Harvard University under the advisement of Helmut Koester.

Pearson served as a professor in the Department of Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara from 1969 to 1994, where he taught courses in Early Christianity, the New Testament, Hellenic Judaism, Hellenistic Religions, Gnosticism, Coptic language and literature, the Hebrew Bible, Nordic Religions, and Theory of Religion. During his long career as an educator, Pearson also taught students at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Harvard University, the Episcopal Theological School, Harvard Divinity School, Duke University, Uppsala University, the Graduate Theological Union, UC Berkeley, and Lund University.

Pearson contributed significantly to scholars’ understanding of the development of Christian Gnostic. Pearson argued that these so-called ‘heretical’ group originated from Second-Temple Jewish sectarian
movements, particularly Jewish mystics. Pearson is also known for his significant translation and editing contributions to the Nag Hammadi Library in English, the first full English translation of the Nag Hammadi
Gnostic scriptures found in the Egyptian desert. This translation is still of great value for Early Christian scholars today.

A photo of Birger Pearson as a young man at the Cairo Museum.During his career, Pearson published several monographs (including the ubiquitous textbook, Ancient Gnosticism), contributed to a number of edited volumes, wrote articles in both English and Swedish, and
published over 185 book reviews. He was an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature, in which he served in leadership roles for over two decades, and he served as a member of nine editorial boards.

Pearson’s knowledge of Nordic languages and his involvement in international congresses meant that his scholarship served as an important bridge for American and international scholars.

While we are saddened by his recent passing, we are comforted knowing that Pearson spent his life
committed to his passions of research and teaching.

Birger_Albert_Pearson_Academic_Obituary

Job Posting: Marsha and Jay Glazer Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies

Sahaj Parikh 
Job #JPF02879
  • Religious Studies / College of Letters & Science - Humanities and Fine Arts / UC Santa Barbara

Apply Now

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $96,500 – $287,400 Applicants who currently hold a senate faculty position at another UC campus should be aware of the policies governing intercampus faculty hiring and transfers. These policies can be found at UCOP APM 510-18.
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025 or later

Application Window

Open date: October 29, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for a position at the rank of full or associate professor to fill the Marsha and Jay Glazer Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies. We seek a rigorous and imaginative scholar whose research encompasses one or more of the following specializations: Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish Law in Late Antiquity or the Medieval Period, Medieval Jewish Mysticism and Philosophy, or Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Judaism. The methodological orientation of the candidate is open. The successful candidate will assume a pivotal role in advancing UCSB’s interdisciplinary Jewish Studies program, which comprises thirteen faculty members in departments and programs across the humanities and social sciences, and will also be expected to contribute to public-facing programs.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD in Religious Studies, Jewish Studies, or related field at the time of application

Preferred qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of Jewish history, literature, religion, and culture, in addition to a demonstrated commitment to a broad range of comparative and cultural studies issues–such as, but not limited to, transcultural connections and dimensions of Judaism, especially in relation to Christianity and Islam; the role of the body, gender, and sexuality; or the intersections of religion and law–that have the potential to contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives on campus in such areas as gender and sexuality or legal humanities. The candidate must demonstrate expertise in Hebrew and other appropriate languages, mastery of historical and textual methodologies, and broad training in Religious Studies. An excellent record of publications consistent with the rank of full or associate professor, evidence of a robust research trajectory, a proven record of effective teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and evidence of active participation in the field are required.

● Demonstrated expertise in Jewish Studies
● Demonstrated record of excellence in research and potential for research productivity, as evidenced in the statement of research, writing sample, and record of research
● Ability to develop a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in Jewish Studies, as reflected in the statement of teaching and record of teaching experience
● Ability to teach courses in Hebrew language and literature
● Evidence of outstanding teaching, as reflected in the statement of teaching and record of teaching experience
● Evidence of participation in professional networks, as reflected in talks, conference presentations, and participation in professional organizations
● Ability to contribute to public-facing programs involving Jewish Studies, as reflected in a record of participation in public events and event planning or articulation of a vision for doing so
● Ability to foster diversity and equity in the department and the broader campus through research, teaching, and/or professional activities

Application Requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted through UC Recruit.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02879

Help contact: amandalizarraga@umail.ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Posting: XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies

Sahaj Parikh 
Job #JPF02829
  • Religious Studies / College of Letters & Science - Humanities and Fine Arts / UC Santa Barbara

Apply here

Position Overview

Position title: XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies

Salary range: A reasonable salary estimate for this position is $96,500 – $287,400
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025 or later

Application Window

Open date: October 24, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for a position at the rank of associate or full professor to fill the XIVth Dalai Lama Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies. We seek a rigorous specialist in Tibetan Buddhism with a wide range of knowledge of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, history, and culture. A solid foundation in Tibetan history and in Tibetan Buddhist thought and practices is necessary to complement our research and teaching strengths in one of the preeminent programs in Buddhist Studies in the country. The area of expertise is open, as is the methodological orientation of the candidate and historical period of specialty. Research foci may include, but are not limited to, transcultural connections and dimensions of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan literary history and translation theories, Tibetan Buddhism and medical knowledge, Buddhist material culture and its theories, bodily and environmental knowledge, social ethics and political theory, and Buddhism and the arts, including performing arts. The successful candidate must have excellent knowledge of classical, literary Tibetan and competence in at least one other Buddhist language (Sanskrit, Chinese, or Mongolian). A strong record of publications consistent with the candidate’s rank, evidence of a future research trajectory, and strong participation in relevant professional organizations are required. The successful candidate must have a proven record of effective teaching at the undergraduate level, ability to mentor graduate students, and capacity to speak beyond their area of expertise to the broader field of Religious Studies or beyond.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD in Religious Studies, Tibetan Studies or related field at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in Tibetan Buddhism and Culture
• Expertise in classical Tibetan and a working knowledge in another Buddhist language.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research and potential for research productivity, as evidenced in the statement of research, writing sample, and record of research and publications
• Evidence of participation in international professional networks
• Evidence of outstanding teaching
• Willingness to contribute to public-facing programs involving Tibetan Buddhism and Culture
• Ability to foster diversity and equity in the department and the broader campus through research, teaching, and/or professional activities

Application Requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

  • One Relevant Writing Sample – Minimum of 40 pages

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

• 3 letters of reference required
Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted through UC Recruit.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02829

Help contact: alizarraga@hfa.ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA

Flyer for "Obstacle Illusion: A Multimedia Performance" on Feb 8, 2023 from 6:30-7:30PM in Hatlen Theater

Obstacle Illusion: A Multimedia Performance by ACVilla and Thollem on Feb 8, at 6:30 pm at Hatlen Theatre, UCSB

Sahaj Parikh

Obstacle Illusion is a multimedia performance incorporating ACVilla’s digital films in tandem with Thollem’s solo electric performance. The result engages our personal and collective consciousness through visual and sonic allegories, riddles and recontextualizations. “Together the duo weave an aural and visual tapestry to dazzle the senses.” (The Paper, Albuquerque)

Thollem is a perpetually traveling pianist, keyboardist and composer. He’s spent most of his life living on the road throughout North America and Europe. His work is ever-changing, evolving and responding to the times and his experiences, both as a soloist and in collaboration with hundreds of artists across idioms and disciplines. “Thollem displays a chameleonic ability to adapt to suit whatever musical context presents itself…there is more than one way to access the infinite.” (Daniel Spicer, The Wire)

Since 2008, ACVilla has lived as a peripatetic photographer, videographer and visual artist. She focuses her camera on the nuances that define the character of the fleeting yet eternal present moment as well as the dynamics of the world at large. Her work is shown throughout the US and Europe in DIY spaces, museums, galleries, schools and universities. ACVilla is “the kind of fiercely independent artist the world needs more of.” (LiveEyeTV)

Capps Center Associate Director (Academic Coordinator II)

Tony Chabolla

Capps Center Associate Director (Academic Coordinator II)

Apply now: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02177/apply

View this position online: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02177

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Academic Coordinator II

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: February 8th, 2022

Next review date: Tuesday, Mar 1, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Jun 30, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for the Associate Director position, a full-time Academic Coordinator II. This is a 12-month fiscal year appointment (non-tenure track, renewable). The Associate Director (AD) works with the Capps Center Director to develop and implement initiatives and programming consistent with the mission of the Center, including a public lecture series, seminars, workshops, conferences, a graduate fellowship program, and other programming opportunities. The Center runs approximately 12 public events per year. In addition, the Center co-sponsors and cooperates in the production of campus lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, and community-based cultural events and lectures that actively engage the ‘out of college’ audience with the humanities. The AD also manages public relations and outreach to the community, and develops strong working relationships with relevant departments, campus units, community organizations, related centers at other institutions, academic organizations, and foundations to reach the overall goals of the Capps Center.

Program Administration

The AD performs administrative functions, serving as a key contact for all visiting speakers, UCSB faculty, staff and students, and the off-campus community. The AD oversees the coordination and implementation of all Center activities and interacts with public and government officials, authors, and other public figures. The AD is also responsible for assisting the Director in implementing research and community engagement opportunities for UCSB students and faculty associated with the Center. The AD attends all Capps Center events (including those that take place on occasional evenings and weekends).

General Administration, Supervision, and Grant Writing

The AD hires, trains, and supervises the part-time student employees and staff of the Capps Center, with the exception of the Academic Coordinator for the McCune Internships program and postdoctoral positions, who report directly to the Center Director. The AD assists the Director with the management of existing budget lines. A primary role of the AD will be to facilitate the programmatic and financial growth of the Center through developing grant applications and identifying relevant foundation opportunities.

Program Analysis and Evaluation

The AD analyzes the Center’s budget and prepares regular and ad hoc reports to the Center Director and advisory committee on the Center’s finances, grant writing and reporting, and program analysis. The AD monitors the demographics of program attendance and works with other campus centers and programs both to coordinate co-sponsored events and to ensure diversity of participants and audience.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Unit: https://www.cappscenter.ucsb.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

M.A. in the humanities or social sciences

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

  • Experience working within an academic institution for at least two years
  • Management/administrative, and organizational skills and experience as demonstrated by prior work record and as attested in letters of recommendation
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated in the applicant’s materials, letters of recommendation, and interview

Preferred qualifications

  • Background in public humanities engagement
  • Experience coordinating public events
  • Proficiency with website and social media platform creation and management
  • Experience in program evaluation
  • Experience in supervising staff and students
  • Experience in financial management
  • Demonstrated grant writing ability
  • PhD in the humanities or social sciences
  • Research and publication record in areas relevant to the Center’s mission

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

(Optional)

Reference requirements

3 letters of reference required

Please arrange to have recommendation letters submitted via UC Recruit.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02177

Help contact: njuarez@ucsb.edu

CAMPUS INFORMATION

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees must (a) provide proof of receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment and provide proof of Full Vaccination no later than eight weeks after their first date of employment; or (b) if applicable, submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

JOB LOCATION

Santa Barbara, CA

Modern Hebrew Language Lecturer Position

Tony Chabolla

POSITION OVERVIEW

Anticipated start: July 1, 2022

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: January 10th, 2022

Next review date: Monday, Feb 7, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Jun 30, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a lecturer position in modern Hebrew language beginning in the 2022-23 academic year. Responsibilities include teaching up to three quarters of first-year Hebrew annually; an introduction to Judaism; and four other courses on a variety of topics (such as Israeli literature in translation, Jewish literature of the Holocaust, religious groups on Israeli society, or Jewish poetry).

This lecturer position will complement a core faculty in the academic study of religion. The Department of Religious Studies offers a minor in Jewish Studies, which currently enables students to acquire a fundamental knowledge of biblical Hebrew, the Dead Sea scrolls, Jewish history and philosophy, Jewish mysticism, and rabbinic literature.

The department is especially interested in candidates who contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service. UCSB has recently been designated a Hispanic serving institution under the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines (where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes a minimum of 25% of total enrollment).

The anticipated start date is July 2022. Position is open until filled. Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Help Contact email below. Department: https://www.religion.ucsb.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application) M.A. in relevant academic field.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD except the Dissertation at the time of hire. Native command of Hebrew and English as demonstrated by the Hebrew Language Teaching Approach statement. An excellent record of least two years of previous teaching experience of undergraduates at the college level is required at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Experience in coordinating programs highly desirable.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Hebrew Language Teaching Approach statement – Please submit a brief statement (one page), written in Hebrew, about your approach to Hebrew language teaching.
  • Summary of Teaching Experience
  • Summary of Teaching Evaluations
  • Misc / Additional – Please use this section for continuations of summaries that will not fit entirely in the previous categories. (Optional)

Reference requirements

  • 3 letters of reference required

Please arrange to have recommendation letters submitted by the initial review date.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02158

Help contact: njuarez@ucsb.edu

CAMPUS INFORMATION

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees must (a) provide proof of receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment and provide proof of Full Vaccination no later than eight weeks after their first date of employment; or (b) if applicable, submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than 14 calendar days after their first date of employment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

JOB LOCATION

Santa Barbara, Ca