Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Japanese Literature, Culture, and Media

The Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor who is a specialist in modern or contemporary Japanese media, literature, and culture. Priority will be given to completed applications received by November 15, 2024.

About the job: The Department welcomes applicants whose research in modern or contemporary Japanese media, film, popular culture, literature, and/or critical theory demonstrates expertise in one or more of the following fields: media theory, literary studies, critical theory in a global context, comparative East Asian popular culture, the environmental humanities including study of the nonhuman world, diaspora and migration studies, disability studies, visual culture, indigenous studies or related fields. The candidate will teach a 2-2 course load and advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year, starting August 25, 2025. Appointment will be at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor consistent with collegiate and University policy. Advanced ABDs will be considered, but Ph.D. must be in hand at job start. Salary is competitive and will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, consistent with school, college, and university policy. This position is eligible for the University of Minnesota’s standard benefits package available to benefits-eligible faculty and academic staff.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in East Asian Studies, Japanese Studies, Comparative Literature, Media Studies, or related field is required. Native or near-native fluency in English and Japanese is also required.

Candidates will be evaluated according to (a) overall quality of their academic preparation and scholarly work, (b) relevance of their scholarly research and research trajectory to the department’s academic priorities and fields of inquiry, (c) evidence of commitment to teaching, (d) strength of recommendations, (e) commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities: Applicants are expected to have an active research and/or creative program and contribute to service in the department, college, university, and field. The faculty member will teach a 2-2 load comprising undergraduate courses and graduate seminars in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and will mentor students in our M.A. in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and our Ph.D. in Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures and Media.

Faculty in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies in the College of Liberal Arts are expected to maintain an active program of scholarly research; develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses; advise students; and contribute service appropriate for the rank of appointment to the department, college, University, and profession.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online through the University of Minnesota’s employment system, at http://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs  and search job opening ID 363859. To be considered for this position, please click the APPLY button and follow the instructions. Applicants will please attach:

(1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, your research and teaching interests, and your qualifications and experience;

(2) your curriculum vitae, which should include the names of three references who may be contacted directly by the search committee to provide letters of recommendation;

(3) a writing sample, which must be attached as an additional document through your “My Activities” page;

(4) a one-page research statement including a summary of the applicant’s expected research trajectory.

Candidates who advance to the second round will submit three letters of recommendation, a second writing sample, and teaching evaluations if available. The position is open until filled, but priority will be given to completed applications received by November 15, 2024. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. If you have any questions about the position, please contact the chair of the search committee, Professor Christine Marran, marran@umn.edu.