Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The UConn English Department and the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute are seeking a jointly appointed tenure-track Assistant Professor in twentieth- to twenty-first-century Asian American Literary and Cultural Studies. Further areas of focus might include American Studies; Southeast Asian Studies; critical refugee studies; diaspora and migration; transnational, transhemispheric, and transpacific studies; graphic narrative and new media; critical ethnic studies and comparative ethnic studies; medical humanities; queer studies; or racism and antiracism.

In addition to excellence in research, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to pedagogy and will be expected to teach in both undergraduate and graduate programs. There will be opportunities to create new courses at all levels of University instruction. This position will be based at the Storrs campus, with tenure home in the English Department.

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 English Department also has a vibrant Ph.D. and MA program. The Asian and Asian American Studies Institute (AAASI) at the University of Connecticut is a multidisciplinary research and teaching program. Distinguished by its global, diasporic, national, regional, and transnational orientations, the Institute brings two traditionally distinct fields of inquiry together in dynamic conversation: Asian Studies and Asian American Studies.

The English Department and the AAASI are 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 will build on recent cluster hires of research-active faculty across the University engaged in racism and antiracism studies, diaspora studies, transnational studies, and critical ethnic studies.

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, Asian American Studies, Ethnic Studies, American Studies, or a related field by the start date of employment (Ph.D. must be in hand by August 23, 2024).
• A strong record of, or demonstrated potential for, research excellence in the field of twentieth- and twenty-first century Asian 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

• Demonstration of or interest in publicly engaged scholarship.
• An interest in engaging with local and/or national community organizations in relevant areas of expertise.
• Experience teaching in the field of Asian American literary and/or cultural studies.

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, commensurate with qualifications and experience, as well as excellent benefits.

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/26019 and submit the following application materials: 

• Cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Writing sample between 20-30 pages,
• Diversity statement,
• Teaching statement,
• Three letters of recommendation through Academic Jobs Online (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 30, 2023. For further information, please review the English Department website: https://english.uconn.edu/ and the AAASI website: https://asianamerican.uconn.edu/.

Candidates may be asked to submit additional materials, such as syllabi and/or a teaching portfolio, at a later stage of the search.

For questions about this position, please contact the search co-chairs Martha Cutter (martha.cutter@uconn.edu) or Jason Oliver Chang (jason.o.chang@uconn.edu).

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.