Assistant Professor of English

The Southern Methodist University Department of English invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant or advanced assistant professor beginning Fall/August 2024 specializing in African American literature, which may include Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian, Black Feminism, or other fields of the African Diaspora.

As one of eight tenure-line positions associated with Southern Methodist University’s faculty cluster in urban research, this position offers opportunities for rich interdisciplinary connections among new and existing SMU faculty, as seen here. The cluster fosters research on cities and urbanization from local and global perspectives. SMU’s location in Dallas, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, is an ideal setting for studying the opportunities and inequities that individuals, groups, and communities confront as they navigate and shape urban life.

Preferred candidates will demonstrate research interests that overlap broadly with the cluster. Dedicated to academic freedom and open inquiry, SMU is at the heart of a cosmopolitan, globally significant urban center. SMU welcomes all to its ethnically diverse campus, where individual dignity and worth are essential.

We seek a colleague who can contribute energetically to our department and to the cluster’s focus as we embark on an expansive plan of postdoctoral fellowships, conferences, symposia, and visiting scholars and writers. We would particularly welcome a scholar-teacher capable of broadening our vibrant, fully funded Ph.D. program with new ideas and challenging course offerings.

We require a completed Ph.D. in English or in a directly related area by the time of appointment, evidence of scholarship and/or publications, and a clear research plan. Applications should include a cover letter comprising statements of research and teaching interests, a curriculum vitae, and three reference letters. Questions should be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Darryl Dickson-Carr, Department of English, Dedman College, Southern Methodist University, P.O. Box 750435, Dallas, Texas 75275. We will accept applications via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/128553. Priority will be given to applications received by November 1, 2023, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.