Assistant Professor of African American Literature

University of Richmond; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Richmond invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in the English Department, beginning in 2027-2028. The successful candidate will specialize in African American literature and engage in teaching, research, and service across the humanities. Ph.D.

in English or closely allied field is required by August 2026. Salary starts at $85,000 with compensation determined by qualifications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in English or closely allied field by August 2026 is required.
• Proven ability in teaching and research with a strong record of scholarly achievement.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment.
• Interest in African American literature and related specialization areas.

Responsibilities

• Maintain excellence in both teaching and research.
• Engage in service appropriate for career stage.
• Teach courses from first-year seminars to advanced electives (2/3 teaching load).
• Contribute to interdisciplinary programs and collaborate across departments.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Research

Inclusion & Diversity

Education

Ph.D. in English or closely allied field by Aug 2026

Job description

The University of Richmond Department of English invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the 2027-2028 academic year.

We seek a teacher-scholar committed to liberal arts education with primary expertise in African American literature. Any area of specialization is welcome, including, but not limited to, global Anglophone Black literature, poetics, film and media studies, creative nonfiction, environmental humanities, and/or disability studies. The successful applicant will be appointed in the English Department, engaging in the University of Richmond's innovative programs in the humanities as well as intellectual and cultural initiatives across departments and schools.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain excellence in both teaching and research, and to engage in service as appropriate for their stage of career. Teaching load is 2/3, with small classes ranging from first-year seminars to advanced electives. Courses offered in the English Department may be considered for elective credit in the University of Richmond's interdisciplinary programs. The successful candidate will have proven ability to foster an inclusive, student-centered learning environment through strong teaching and mentoring, a strong record of scholarly achievement, and clear promise for an impactful research agenda. Ph.D. in English or closely allied field in hand by August 2026 required.

Please address any questions about the position to the search committee chair, Nathan Snaza ([e-mail]). Applications should be received by October 1.

The starting salary for the position is budgeted at $85,000. Compensation is determined by the candidate's individual qualifications, experience, education, and skills.

The University of Richmond is a private university located just a short drive from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Through its five schools and wide array of campus programming, the University combines the best qualities of a small liberal arts college and a large university. With approximately 4,000 students, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and more than 90% of traditional undergraduate students living on campus, the University is remarkably student-centered.

The mission of the University of Richmond is to educate in an academically challenging, intellectually vibrant, and collaborative community dedicated to the holistic development of students and the production of scholarly and creative work. A Richmond education prepares students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world. The University of Richmond's strategic priorities are academic excellence, belonging and community, access and affordability, well-being, and experiential learning and community engagement. The University seeks to model a relentlessly welcoming and inclusive campus community that values the expression of difference in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our academic community strongly encourages applications that are in keeping with this commitment.