Assistant Professor of American Studies

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University, Bozeman, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of American Studies beginning August 15, 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction and to an interdisciplinary program within the College of Letters and Science.

We seek scholars with expertise in place-based studies, environmental humanities, or related fields, and a record of scholarly activity and effective teaching.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in American Studies or a related field by start date.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in both teaching and scholarship.
• Teaching record demonstrating the ability to offer courses in American Studies or a related field at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Full-time, tenure-track appointment with research and teaching at undergrad and grad levels.
• Engage in outreach and service in Montana and the broader community.
• Teaching load aligned with department norms.

Skills

Teaching experience

Scholarly potential

Course development

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in American Studies or related field

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27025 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

William G. Thomas III

Dean

College of Letters & Science

[e-mail]

Classification Title Working Title Assistant Professor of American Studies Brief Position Overview

The College of Letters & Science at Montana State University seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor specializing in American Studies beginning August 15, 2027.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 4A0622 Department American Studies Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The American Studies Program at Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman, seeks to hire an assistant professor with the ability to work professionally and effectively with individuals from all backgrounds, possess effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and has the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the land-grant mission of Montana State University.

Candidates must demonstrate a record of scholarship and training in American Studies or a relevant field, an interdisciplinary research program, and the potential to be an outstanding and effective teacher at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in place-based studies, environmental humanities, historical geography, western American studies, or related fields.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position will be a full-time, tenure-track appointment with primary responsibilities in research and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in American Studies, as well as in the department in which tenure will reside. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in outreach and service in the state of Montana and the broader community. The teaching load will be consistent with faculty in the department where tenure resides.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D. in American Studies or a related field by start date.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in both teaching and scholarship.
• Teaching record demonstrating the ability to offer courses in American Studies or a related field at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Potential to conduct research and teach in critical theory and research methods.
• Successful record of fellowships or grants, or experience with externally funded research.
• Interest and ability to contribute to the College’s programs and expertise in place-based studies, such as environmental humanities, historical geography, western American studies, or related fields.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Be a dynamic teacher and scholar.
• Have the ability to inspire and mentor students.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Be committed to supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, through research, teaching, and service.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Program

The American Studies Program at Montana State University is an interdisciplinary doctoral and master’s graduate degree program which also offers undergraduate courses and electives. The program provides students with a deep understanding of the history, literature, arts, politics, regions and identities of North America and the U.S. The program emphasizes the complexity and variation in the experience of American lives and prepares students to help address the important and profound questions of the world today. The program connects students with interdisciplinary research centers, such as the Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West; the Geospatial Core Facility; the Interdisciplinary Institute on Artificial Intelligence; and the Center for Science, Technology, Ethics and Society.

The Department The College

The College of Letters and Science (CLS), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and mathematical sciences.

Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.

Posting Detail Information

Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be

Screening of applications will begin on November 11, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

FLSA Details

FLSA Determination

FLSA Status Exempt