Assistant Professor in African Studies – Tenure Track
The Africana Studies program at Bowdoin College invites applications for a tenure-track position in the field of African Studies at the Assistant Professor level beginning fall 2019. We seek a scholar from the humanities or the social sciences able to teach undergraduate courses that incorporate research in sub-Saharan West Africa. We will consider scholars whose research and teaching connects West Africa to the African Diaspora, broadly defined (but excluding the United States). We especially invite applications from scholars whose survey and seminar courses on sub-Saharan West Africa cover significant timespans. We expect the successful candidate to have prior interdisciplinary graduate training and teaching experiences in African Studies, although we will also welcome applications from candidates in other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. We welcome applicants who can offer a range of courses in African Studies that complement our curriculum in Africana Studies. For Africana Studies major requirements, see: http://www.bowdoin.edu/africana-studies/requirements/index.shtml
We welcome applications from candidates committed to the instruction and support of a diverse student population and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s ethnic and cultural diversity. We value a community in which students of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed. In your application materials, we encourage you to address how your teaching, scholarship, and/or mentorship may support our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Bowdoin values a strong commitment to research and a promise of long-term successful scholarly engagement as well as a dedication to teaching excellence in a liberal arts environment. There is internal funding in support of research and teaching, opportunities for professional development, a junior sabbatical leave, and an accelerated post-tenure sabbatical schedule. Teaching load is two courses each semester and includes courses in the candidate’s area of specialization, Introduction to Africana Studies, as well as other courses in our program’s core curriculum. A Ph.D. is expected by date of appointment. We recognize that recruiting and retaining faculty may involve considerations of spouses and partners. To that end, where possible, the College will attempt to accommodate and respond creatively to the needs of partners and spouses of members of the faculty.
Bowdoin College accepts only electronic submissions. Please visit https://careers.bowdoin.edu to submit: 1) a cover letter detailing your scholarly research agenda and describing your teaching experience and interests; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) evidence of teaching effectiveness; and 4) the names and contact information for three references who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2018.
Founded on the Maine coast in 1794, Bowdoin is one of the oldest and most selective coeducational, residential liberal arts colleges in the country. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a 30-minute drive north of Portland, the College is in an area rich with natural beauty and year-round outdoor activities. Bowdoin’s reputation rests on the excellence of its faculty and students, its intimate size, its strong sense of community, and its commitment to diversity (31.5% students of color, 5% international students and approximately 15% first-generation college students). Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses. For further information about the College please visit our website: http://www.bowdoin.edu.