Jobs

The Yale Divinity School Center for Faith and Culture is inviting applications for a one year postdoctoral associate in the area of youth ministry, with possible renewal for a second and third year. The anticipated start date for the appointment is April 1, 2012. Applicants must hold a PhD completed before the start of the appointment. Previous postdoctoral experience is allowed, however, there is a three year maximum on previous appointments.

The appointed candidate will be in residence for work on site in the offices of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. The appointment is for the purposes of coordinating programs and conducting research to support the activities of the Adolescent Faith and Flourishing Program, including but not limited to contributing to the development of theologically robust church-based youth ministries.

This research will support the development of the theology of human flourishing as it applies to youth faith formation. Specific attention will be given to:

- how an inadequate definition of human flourishing contributes to forces that distort adolescent life and contribute to adolescent suffering and longing

- how an alternative and deeper definition of adolescent flourishing rooted in convictions about God can contribute to addressing these forces, healing these distortions, ameliorating adolescent suffering and promoting adolescent flourishing

- advocating and nurturing the God and Human Flourishing Program's vision among the young, to include further theological research to appropriate the fruits of the GHF Program for adolescent flourishing, as well as a strategy for disseminating its findings, program design, institutional support, and leadership development for transformative youth ministries.

The associate will contribute to the research which underpins both the general curricula and targeted youth ministry program modules, and may also be asked to write articles for popular and academic journals and present information about research or curriculum at conferences. The associate may also be involved in strategic planning for conferences, colloquia and workshops, among other responsibilities.

The position may require occasional overnight travel (estimated 3-5 times per year) for conference attendance or similar activities, at the discretion of the Director.

Interested applicants should submit, via email to harold.masback@yale.edu the following:

- a letter of intent outlining specific interest in the position, overall related qualifications and experience and career goals;

- curriculum vitae;

- a sample of scholarly work, not to exceed 15 pages of writing;

- the names and contact information, including email addresses, of three academic or professional references.

Exceptional candidates will have practical experience in youth ministry and program development in addition to academic credentials.

The deadline for receipt of application materials for the initial round of consideration is March 1, 2012. Thereafter, candidates will be evaluated as applications are received. The position will remain open until filled.

Postdoctoral Associates are considered employees of Yale University for the purposes of compensation and benefits. Pay will be commensurate with experience. Yale University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.