Assistant Professor in Literature of the Sea

Williams College invites applications for an assistant professor based at the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program in Mystic, Connecticut.  Williams-Mystic (mystic.williams.edu) is a tight-knit and highly collaborative interdisciplinary program focused on the oceans and coasts.  As one of the five faculty members, the Assistant Professor in literature of the sea at Williams-Mystic will teach an intermediate-level course each semester, supervise independent student research, design and co-lead interdisciplinary learning activities with colleagues from other disciplines, and help lead several multi-day field seminars over the course of each year.  Each faculty member also works in closely with five administrative staff members to support the students’ individual growth and success.  A commitment to teamwork is therefore essential, as is a willingness to travel and to learn along with undergraduates.

This is a renewable Williams College faculty position, with an initial three-year appointment beginning July 1, 2020.  Promotion to Associate Professor with renewable five-year terms is possible after 2 three-year terms.

Williams-Mystic admits about 20 adventurous and talented students every semester from many different colleges.  Our mission is to empower global, creative citizens while cultivating an enduring relationship with the sea. We create an open-minded, interdisciplinary academic community through experiential learning at Mystic Seaport Museum, along the coasts of America, and on the oceans. Students of all majors study the history, literature, policy, and science of the oceans, focusing on many complex issues including sustainability, coastal resiliency, environmental and social justice, climate change, and fisheries.  They also learn hands-on maritime skills such as shipsmithing, chanteys, or sailing.

We seek applications from those with a PhD in literature or a literature-related field (by August 2020), and we welcome applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the field.  Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by November 1, 2019.  You should write in your cover letter about your scholarly endeavors as well as your ability to work effectively with a student population that is broadly diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.  Please also provide detailed commentary about your teaching experience, and especially about any experience you have in working in a highly collaborative and experiential learning environment.  All materials should be addressed to Tom Van Winkle, Executive Director, and must be submitted through Interfolio using this link: http://apply.interfolio.com/69196 .  Preliminary inquiries may be directed to Mary O’Loughlin, Deputy Director (mo6@williams.edu).

Semi-finalists for this position will be invited in November or December to participate in a videoconference interview, and will also be asked to provide three letters of reference.  Finalists will be invited for a campus interview in December or January, in Mystic.

All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check. Further information is available here: http://dean-faculty.williams.edu/prospective-faculty/background-check-policy/.