Assistant Professor of History

Wesleyan University; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesleyan University’s History Department invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in the history of Japan, to begin July 1, 2027. Period and subfield are open, but the ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan is expected. The Ph.D.

should be in hand by appointment and will be housed in the History Department. Teaching responsibilities (2–2 on campus) include surveys of premodern and modern Japan, plus seminars in the applicant’s areas of specialization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in history or closely related field by appointment date.
• Eligible for Instructor if Ph.D. not in hand but will complete within one year.
• Ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan.
• 2–2 teaching load on campus in the History Department.

Responsibilities

• Teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan.
• Lead first-year and advanced seminars in area of specialization.
• Advise and mentor students throughout the program.
• Carry on a program of research and participate in governance.

Skills

Survey courses

Mentoring students

Teaching on campus

Education

Ph.D. in history or closely related field

Job description

Wesleyan University’s History Department invites applications for a tenure‑track assistant professorship in the history of Japan, to begin July 1, 2027. Period and subfield of specialization are open, but the ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan is expected. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in hand by the time of appointment and will be fully housed in the History Department.

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities (2‑2 teaching load, on campus) will include survey courses of premodern and modern Japan, as well as surveys and first‑year and advanced seminars in the successful applicant’s areas of specialization. Additional duties include advising and mentoring students, carrying on a program of research, and participating in faculty governance at the departmental and university level.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in history or a closely related field in hand by the time of appointment to be hired as an Assistant Professor; a successful candidate may be hired as an Instructor if the candidate does not have a Ph.D. in hand at the time of appointment, but will complete the Ph.D in history or a closely related field within one year of hire.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following documents:

• Cover letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Chapter‑length writing sample
• Separate statement of current research (optional)
• Teaching statement (optional)

Also provide the email addresses of three referees from whom Wesleyan University may obtain confidential letters of recommendation. Applications completed by October 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Ying Jia Tan at [e-mail] if you have questions about the application process.

Work Location

On Campus.

Background Check

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre‑employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non‑position‑related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non‑discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Security and Compliance

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Benefits and Development

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html. Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.