The Williams College American Studies Program seeks to hire an associate or full professor to specialize in comparative and/or relational approaches to ethnic studies. Scholars working at the intersection or intersections of Black, Latinx, and Native American/Indigenous Studies, with a focus on the U.S. or the Americas, are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates with a PhD in American Studies or other interdisciplinary fields are preferred, but full consideration will be given to applicants with PhDs in traditional disciplines, provided their primary research, teaching, and scholarship aligns with the position. We especially welcome applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the academy. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute fully to the American Studies Program, while maintaining a teaching load of two courses each semester, plus a winter term course every other year.
Salary is commensurate with rank and the faculty member will be eligible for a full package of faculty benefits as described online at hr.williams.edu/benefits. Williams also provides faculty with an annual allocation of funds to support travel and research, in addition to several internal research opportunities.
The American Studies Program at Williams is a small but vibrant program with dynamic and engaged majors, whose numbers have grown in recent years. Started over 80 years ago, it is one of the oldest in the country. Today, our courses engage prominent theories, methods, and topics in the interdisciplinary field, especially as they relate to slavery, colonialism, capitalism, and empire. Information about the program is available at https://american-studies.williams.edu/.
Alongside its strong support for scholarship, Williams College places a high value on undergraduate teaching. Thus, the search committee seeks applicants whose supporting materials demonstrate a commitment to inclusive teaching and working effectively with a student, staff, and faculty population that is broadly diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religious views, socioeconomic status, experience with higher education, and more.
Applications should be submitted via lnterfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/129545 and should include:
● a cover letter describing your research, scholarship, teaching experience, course offerings, and relevant administrative experience
● a curriculum vitae
● a writing sample of no more than 25 pages
● a sample syllabus for one course e.g. an elective, Introduction to American Studies, or a junior-level theories and methods in American Studies course
Completed applications submitted by October 15, 2023 will receive full consideration. After an initial round of review, we will request three reference letters from applicants who advance in the search. A 14-day turnaround time (at minimum) will be provided for those letters to be submitted.
Inquiries should be sent to Jan Padios, Associate Professor of American Studies, at jp14@williams.edu. Fax and email applications will not be accepted. Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check. Further information is available here.
Williams College is a liberal arts institution located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. The college has built its reputation on outstanding teaching and scholarship and on the academic excellence of its approximately 2,000 students. Please visit the Williams College website (http://www.williams.edu). Beyond meeting its legal obligations for nondiscrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.
The American Studies Search Committee acknowledges that Williams College stands on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present.
Job, fellowship, and CFP listings are services that are offered by the American Studies Association to support its members in exploring professional opportunities in American studies. Any questions should be directed to the program, department, or center that has posted the opportunity.