INTRODUCTION

The English Department at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a tenure-system Assistant or Associate Professor position in Native North American Literary and Cultural Studies, to be based at the Storrs campus. 

The successful candidate will pursue research in Native North American Literary and/or Cultural Studies. Additional areas of focus may include settler colonialism; land and water-based studies; Indigenous feminisms; Black and Indigenous literatures and politics; Indigenous cities; performance and media studies; sovereignty, decoloniality, and nation; and/or LGBTQ and Two-spirit studies. Preferred candidates will have a research focus on the literatures and communities of Indigenous peoples of the Northeast or Eastern seaboard and engage in community-based research. In addition to excellence in research, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to pedagogy and will be expected to teach in both our undergraduate and graduate programs. There will be opportunities to create new courses at all levels of University instruction. 

The English Department is home to more than 60 full-time faculty members whose engaged teaching, scholarly reputations, publications, and creative work help make UConn one of the top public research institutions in the nation. The Department is especially interested in attracting and hiring faculty who represent the diversity of the student body, as well as those with a demonstrated and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

This hire, as well as a concurrent joint hire in Geography and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), will build upon the momentum of a recent cluster hire in Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in English, Comparative Literature, American Indian Studies, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, or a related field by the start date of employment. 
• A strong record of, or demonstrated potential for, research excellence in the field of Native North American Literary and Cultural Studies. 
• Demonstrated ability to teach at the college or university level. 
• Evidence of a deep commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity in a higher education setting. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• A record of, or demonstrated potential for, expertise in Native American literature and culture of the Northeast or Eastern Seaboard. 
• Experience teaching in Native American and Indigenous Literary and Cultural Studies. 
• Evidence of engagement with Native American and Indigenous pedagogies. 
• An interest in engaging with local and/or national community organizations and Indigenous Nations in relevant areas of expertise. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The standard teaching expectation is two courses per semester. The University offers a highly competitive salary, and salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT  

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.  

TO APPLY 

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25969 and submit the following application materials: 

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Writing sample 
• Diversity statement 
• Teaching statement 
• Sample journal articles 
• 3 letters of reference 

Additionally, please follow the instructions in Academic Jobs Online to direct three reference writers to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf through that web portal (do not send directly to the Director, Head, or other individuals at UConn). Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, online applications should be received no later than October 27, 2023. For further information, please review the English Department website: https://english.uconn.edu/ and the Native American and Indigenous Studies website: https://clas.uconn.edu/native-american-indigenous-studies/ 

Candidates may be asked to submit additional materials, such as sample syllabi, at a later stage of the search. 

For questions about this position, please contact the search chair, Professor Christopher Vials ([email protected]). 

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. 

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. 

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.