Assistant Teaching Professor in German Studies

Position Overview

The Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Kansas invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor in German Studies, to begin in fall 2023. This appointment is a limited term for three (3) years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, comprehensive review, and institutional needs. This is a full-time position with a 3:3 teaching load as well as service and research obligations (see below). We are seeking a dynamic and technologically adept teacher with a strong interest in language pedagogy and experience in transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and curricular development. The Assistant Teaching Professor will also be expected to work closely with instructors who teach the first four semesters of German as well as with the coordinator who oversees the sequence and the teaching assignments. Area of specialization open.

The University of Kansas is in the beautiful, historic, and culturally vibrant city of Lawrence, a thriving community only 40 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area and 30 minutes from the state capital, Topeka. Lawrence, a progressive college town of 95,000, boasts a lively downtown with many music venues, award-winning restaurants and coffee shops, and a nationally celebrated independent bookstore among its many independently owned small businesses. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest school within the campus and plays a central role within the University. Founded in 1865, KU is a designated Carnegie comprehensive doctoral and research university and is one of only 34 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The University enrolls more than 28,000 students and offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate in its graduate and professional programs, which include education, public health, medicine, law, and several allied social science and humanities disciplines.

In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the university actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. The successful candidate must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. by the time employment begins.

Job Description

70% Teaching/Advising – Teach three (3) courses per semester at the undergraduate level in German Studies. These will primarily include the first four semesters of German-language instruction but may also include general education courses taught in English (including online courses) as well as upper-division, special topics courses taught in both German and English. Advise and mentor undergraduate students.

20% Scholarly Engagement – Maintain an active and productive program of research in field of specialization.

10% Service – Participate in service to the department, the College, the University, and the profession. Possibly coordinate and/or lead a study abroad program.

Required Qualifications

  1. PhD in German Studies or a related field (or be ABD with the defense completed) by the start date of the appointment.
  2. Professional-level proficiency in both German and English.
  3. Demonstrated experience and excellence in teaching undergraduate German Studies courses at the University level.
  4. Experience with and/or knowledge of online course design and/or teaching.

Additional Candidate Instructions

To apply online go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/24398BR. A complete application will include the following documents: 1) a cover letter, 2) a CV, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy (max. 3 pages, single-spaced), and 4) the names and email addresses of three references. Letters of recommendation and a teaching portfolio will be requested for candidates who advance in the selection process.

In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less.

  • Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Initial review of applications will begin on March 13, 2023 and will continue until the position has been filled.
We anticipate that interviews will be conducted over Zoom at the end of March.

Contact Information to Applicants

For more information, please contact Prof. Ari Linden, Director of Undergraduate Studies at ari.linden@ku.edu

Application Review Begins

Monday, March 13, 2023

Anticipated Start Date

Friday, August 18, 2023


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