Assistant Professor Comparative and World Literature

The Program in Comparative and World Literature (CWL) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks candidates for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Jewish literatures, with the requirement that applicants be prepared to teach Yiddish literature and either Hebrew or another modern literature.  The candidate’s research should well reflect comparative, interdisciplinary, and theoretically sophisticated approaches to the study of literature. We seek innovative methodologies, materials, and frameworks. The specific area of specialization is open, but we are seeking an outstanding scholar prepared to teach a broad array of courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in Comparative and World literature. The position is housed in CWL, with the potential for a joint appointment with another unit depending on the candidate’s specialization. The normal teaching load is 2 courses per semester. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications.  Target start date is August 16, 2024.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Jewish Studies, Germanic, Slavic, Near Eastern or related humanities field. Candidates whose PhD may be delayed but will complete all the Ph.D. requirements within the first appointment year may be appointed at the rank of Instructor. After the Ph.D. requirement is met, the appointment will be changed to Assistant Professor.

To apply, create your candidate profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu and submit application materials by November 1, 2023.  Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, writing sample of not more than 25 pages, the names of three professional references, and a cover letter of approximately 2 pages addressing research, teaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  Letters of recommendation will be requested following initial screening of applications. We ask that all documents be uploaded in a single .pdf file as an upload in the “Resume/CV” section.

Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with women, underrepresented minority and LGBTQI+ students or faculty are especially encouraged to apply.

Questions about the position may be directed to bakaplan@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.