Assistant Professor of American Literature, 1900 - Present (Tenure Track)

The Department of Language and Literature at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English, specializing in American literature of the 20th and 21st centuries. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in multiethnic American literatures and/or global literatures in English. Candidates with experience or interest in advising Jimson Weed, a student-run literary journal, would be welcome.

Expectations for this position include teaching undergraduate courses from first-year composition to upper division courses in the candidate’s field. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Literature or a closely related field by the time of appointment, should show potential for active research and publication, a commitment to the liberal arts, and dedication to mentoring students. The teaching load is four courses per semester.

Interested applicants should complete an application online at jobs.virginia.edu that includes: 1) cover letter, 2) current CV, 3) teaching statement, 4) contact information for three references, and 5) writing sample of fewer than 25 pages. Review of applications will begin on December 29, 2023, but will remain open until filled. Start date will be in August 2024. Questions may be directed to the Department Chair, Joseph Kern.

A member of the prestigious Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is an inspiring place to teach, lead, learn and call home. With a student faculty ratio of 13:1 and 1,900 students, UVA Wise is committed to excellence in teaching, personalized attention, and individual growth, as well as to the advancement of the region through economic and community development.

The only division of the University of Virginia located outside of Charlottesville, UVA Wise has a beautiful 396-acre campus that is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, students learn from faculty who are encouraged to engage in scholarship and service that complements their teaching, and the environment is ideal for the task. In addition to Appalachian arts and culture, on-campus wetlands and impressive geography, and a region full of opportunities for study and outdoor adventure, there are many opportunities to build partnerships with organizations, agencies, and businesses in the area and beyond. Professional staff and a dedicated senior leadership team are driven by the vital mission of ensuring access and affordability to this robust, quality higher education.

The College’s student population is largely from rural communities across the Appalachian region. Many are first-generation college students. For all, UVA Wise offers access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling work at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious universities, as evidenced by both U.S. News & World Report rankings for social mobility and Washington Monthly honors for “Best Bang for Your Buck.” And in 2023, UVA Wise was ranked the #2 public college in the U.S. for seniors graduating with the least debt by U.S. News & World Report.

UVA Wise employees fulfill duties as a “responsible employee” under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  A responsible employee includes any employee who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

UVA Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence, affordable access, and unwavering support of a collaborative and diverse community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to promoting the educational, cultural, and economic development of Southwest Virginia through innovative collaborations, partnerships, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.