Assistant Professor in African American History

Meyer Entsorgung; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 115,133 - 135,388; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in African American History within the Department of African and African American Studies. The appointment spans any historical period and seeks to advance the study of African American lives, histories, and experiences while contributing to the undergraduate Foundations of African American Studies.

Successful candidates will teach, supervise undergraduate research, and may collaborate with Stanford’s History

Qualifications

• Ph.D in African American History or related field by start date or equivalent professional distinction.
• Ph.D. candidates may be considered if the degree is in hand by the start date.
• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and mentoring and the ability to establish and sustain a world-class research trajectory.

Responsibilities

• Teach Foundations of African American Studies undergraduate course covering a broad chronological period and multiple disciplinary perspectives.
• Supervise undergraduate research and participate in the department’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
• Collaborate with Stanford’s Department of History for graduate student opportunities when possible.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Research trajectory

Education

Ph.D in African American History or related field

Job description

About the Position

The Department of African and African American Studies (DAAAS) at Stanford University invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in African American History. We seek scholars whose research focuses on any historical period, from the colonial era to the present, and whose work advances the study of African American lives, histories, and experiences.

We welcome applications from candidates working across a broad range of historical approaches and methodologies. Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to, inter‑imperial histories of slavery, emancipation, and freedom; the Black Atlantic and Caribbean encounters; race and medicine; Black political thought; the Civil Rights and Black Power movements; Black internationalisms and culture.

Successful applicants will be expected to teach our undergraduate Foundations of African American Studies course (which covers a broad chronological period and multiple disciplinary perspectives), supervise undergraduate research, and participate in the department’s interdisciplinary curriculum. While DAAAS does not yet have a graduate program, the successful candidate may find opportunities to work with graduate students via Stanford’s Department of History.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Ph.D in African American History or a closely related field, or demonstrate equivalent professional distinction at the time of appointment.

• Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree‑granting program will be considered, provided the degree is in hand by the start date.

Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to effective teaching and mentoring and the ability to establish and sustain a world‑class research trajectory.

Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• A 3‑page statement on teaching and research
• Three letters of reference
• Writing samples – could be a dissertation or book manuscript chapter or a published article or chapter (no more than 20–30 pages)

Additional supporting materials will be requested at a later date.

Stanford University provides a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The base pay range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388. The final offer will depend on qualifications, budget, and internal equity.

The application process will close on September 30, 2026.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching, and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact [e-mail].