Assistant Professor, African American Literature

Announcement – Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

Job Title:                                             Assistant Professor, African American Literature
Department/School:                      Joint Appointment in the Department of English and the Program of African and African American Studies
Location:                                             Fayetteville, AR
Start date:                                          August 14, 2023

Position Summary: The Department of English and the Program in African and African American Studies (AAST) in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in African American Literature to start in 8/14/2023. This is a standard nine-month faculty appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

We are seeking candidates with an active research agenda, evidence of scholarly productivity, a commitment to exceptional teaching, and who can contribute to the research, teaching, and service missions of the English Department and the African and African American Studies Program. Applicants must have the Ph.D. in hand, in English or a closely related field, by the starting date, with a specialization in African American Literature. Strong preference will be given to candidates whose scholarship engages with critical race theory, queer theory, cultural studies, diaspora/migration studies, ethnic studies, and/or gender studies. Candidates who can teach interdisciplinary courses for the African and African American Studies Program as well as add to the English Department’s existing strengths in ethnic and gender studies will also be viewed favorably. In addition, successful candidates will be able to contribute to the English department’s mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About the Department of English: The Department of English offers B.A., M.A., M.F.A., and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to its Program in English, the department has a highly ranked Program in Creative Writing and Translation, a Program in Rhetoric and Composition, and coordinates with the Program in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies. With one of the largest graduate programs in Fulbright College, the department places a strong emphasis on the professionalization of students, including preparing them for alternative academic careers. English faculty are also visibly engaged with and/or lead various interdisciplinary programs and humanities initiatives across the College.

 

About the African and African American Studies Program (AAST): The African and African American Studies Program promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the history, culture, and identity of Africans, African Americans, and the larger African diaspora. Students may pursue African and African American Studies as a second major alongside a primary major in Fulbright College or as a minor. Graduate students may also earn a Graduate Certificate in African and African American Studies.


Duties will include:

  • The job entails teaching, research, and service. Teaching will consist of four courses per year, on a semester system: two graduate and/or undergraduate courses in the Department of English and two courses in the Program of African and African American Studies. Job performance will be evaluated jointly by the Chair of the Department of English and the Chair of African American Studies; tenure and promotion will be in the Department of English.

Minimum Qualifications:

With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate

  • Applicants must have the Ph.D. in hand, in English or a closely related field, by the starting date, with a specialization in African American Literature.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong preference will be given to candidates whose scholarship engages with critical race theory, queer theory, cultural studies, diaspora/migration studies, ethnic studies, and/or gender studies. Candidates who can teach interdisciplinary courses for the African and African American Studies Program as well as add to the English Department’s existing strengths in ethnic and gender studies will also be viewed favorably. In addition, successful candidates will be able to contribute to the English department’s mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 




 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Completed applications received by 11/30/2022, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Yajaira M. Padilla, at ympadill@uark.edu.

For a complete position announcement and information regarding how to apply, visit https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UASYS/job/Assistant-Professor--African-American-Literature_R0024085.

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter/letter of application, a literary-critical writing sample (25-30 double-spaced pages), a diversity statement, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested during the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected for interviews.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Annual Salary/Benefits Package: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

The University of Arkansas: Founded in 1871 as a land grant institution, the University of Arkansas is classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the top two percent of universities in the nation with the highest level of research activity. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 27,100 students with more than 200 academic programs. University of Arkansas students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and represent 50 states and more than 120 countries.

Fulbright College: The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 3 schools, 16 departments, and 43 academic programs and research centers. The University of Arkansas is committed to providing an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential. The Fulbright promotes these ideals and welcomes applicants who foster an inclusive environment through an open exchange of voices and ideas from populations of diverse backgrounds.

The Community: Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas campus, and is known for its spectacular views and ample green spaces. Fayetteville is considered one of the country’s finest college towns, and the surrounding northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus. For more information, visit: https://diversitynwa.com/  

Culture in Northwest Arkansas
About Fayetteville
About University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is an Affirmative Action/EOE institution committed to achieving diversity in its faculty and staff. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially individuals who contribute to diversity of our campus community. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.  Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


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