About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Description
The W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Global Black Studies with a focus on the African Diaspora. This hire would align with existing faculty strengths in history/politics in the department and would support growing interest in African Diaspora Studies and Black Internationalism among both graduate and undergraduate students in our department as well as in our larger field. We are seeking a colleague who can aid the development of new courses (and strengthen existing courses) while directly supporting our graduate certificate in African Diaspora Studies. We are particularly interested in applicants with research and teaching focusing on regions outside of the United States (Latin America, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, etc.). We have particular interest in applicants with expertise in the African diaspora and its intersections with Environmental and Climate Justice, Political Economy and Inequality, Gender and Sexuality, and Health (mental, reproductive, physical).
The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of a promising research agenda and readiness to teach independent graduate courses by the second year of appointment as well as contribute to a collaborative Africana/Black Studies department. Additionally, the candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to Black Studies as an intellectual field with its own unique disciplinary characteristics.
This is a full-time (9-month) tenure-track position beginning September 1, 2024. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Requirements
A PhD from a department of African American/Black/Africana studies, history, political science, American Studies or other relevant fields, with a specialization in the study of the African diaspora is required by the date of appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate scholarly promise as well as evidence of effective undergraduate teaching.
Application Instructions
Along with the application, please submit 1) a letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) one-page research statement; 4) teaching statement/portfolio; 5) a statement of contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, identifying past experiences and future goals (these contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching and outreach activities); 6) writing sample, up to twenty-five pages; and 7) contact information for three (3) professional references.
Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. More information on the Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies can be found here: http://www.umass.edu/afroam/. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.
The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.