Reader/Professor in Japanese and Comparative Buddhism

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 hours a week

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 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.

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

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

Advert information