Tenure Track Professor of Comparative Literature

Harvard University. The Department of Comparative Literature seeks to appoint a tenure-track professor in comparative literature, with a specialization in translation studies. We particularly seek candidates who combine expertise in both the theory and practice of translation, and whose scholarship extends the boundaries of translation studies. Candidates should be anchored in the literary disciplines and must demonstrate substantial work with original-language materials in at least two languages. A demonstrated strong commitment to teaching is crucial, as is the ability to capture the interest of a diverse student body. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the department’s new Graduate Secondary Field in translation studies and broadening our undergraduate offerings in this area, so prior experience in teaching translation studies will be an advantage. Familiarity and critical engagement with the shifting nature of translation practices today, including machine translation and generative-AI, is highly desirable.

We are committed to diversity in perspectives, in methods, and in our student and faculty populations. International applicants are welcome. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2024. Teaching duties will include four courses a year at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applicants must have received the PhD or equivalent degree or show clear evidence of planned receipt of the degree by the beginning of employment.

Applications should be received by November 1, 2023. Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/12725):

1.   Cover letter

2.   Curriculum Vitae

3.   Teaching statement (describing teaching philosophy and practices) [Maximum two pages]

4.   A sample syllabus for a translation studies course that you have taught or would like to teach

5.   Statement of current and future research [Maximum three pages]

6.   Statement describing efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging, including past, current, and anticipated future contributions in these areas [Maximum two pages]

7.   A writing sample of recent scholarship (dissertation chapter* or published article) [Maximum 30 pages.]

8.   Names and contact information of 3 referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the application has been submitted. The application is considered complete only when three letters have been received. At least one letter must come from someone who has not served as the candidate’s undergraduate thesis advisor, chair of the dissertation committee, or primary advisor in a postdoctoral fellowship.

9.   Optional but highly desired: a portfolio of published translations or translations in progress [Maximum 30 pages.]

* Candidates who become finalists for the position will be asked to provide a complete dissertation (or existing draft).

Contact: Faton Limani, Department Administrator, Department of Comparative Literature, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University

Contact Email: faton_limani@fas.harvard.edu

Harvard is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or other protected status.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.