Assistant Professor of Italian

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington invites applications for a full-time, tenure-eligible Assistant Professor of Italian in the Special Title Series (STS) with a focus on Early Modern/Renaissance Italy. The position emphasizes undergraduate teaching, curricular development, and student engagement, with responsibilities across language, literature, and culture courses.

The successful candidate will contribute to the language program, advise students, and engage in study-abroad initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD by July 2027 or closely related field is required.
• Strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and curricular development is expected.
• Experience in study-abroad and experiential-learning activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach three courses per semester, including Italian language, literature, and culture, plus related areas.
• Provide advising and mentoring to students and contribute to curricular development.
• Support the Italian language program and participate in study-abroad opportunities.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship with a distribution of effort around teaching, research, and service.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Curricular development

Student engagement

Pedagogy

Education

Ph.D. in Italian Studies

Job description

Department Name 8E660:Modern & Classical Lang, Lit & Cultures

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Type of Position

Type of Position Faculty

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

Ph.D. in Italian Studies or a closely related field by July 2027

Required Related Experience

N/A

Required License/Registration/Certification

N?A

Job Summary

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-eligible Assistant Professor of Italian in the Special Title Series ( STS ), with a specialization in Early Modern/Renaissance Italy. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, curricular development, and student engagement. The position’s typical teaching assignment will be three courses per semester, including courses in Italian language, literature, and culture, as well as courses in Latin, Medical Terminology, and related areas. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative curricula and educational opportunities that serve a broad range of undergraduate students. Responsibilities will also include supporting the Italian language program, advising and mentoring students, and contributing to study-abroad and other experiential‑learning opportunities, as appropriate. The position includes a research expectation of approximately 20% of the faculty member’s distribution of effort. The remaining approximate distribution of effort will be 70% teaching and 10% departmental services. Candidates are expected to maintain an active program of scholarship, relative to allocated effort, in their disciplinary area, teaching and pedagogy, or a combination of these areas. Expertise in pedagogy, curriculum development, or related areas of teaching and learning is desirable. The successful candidate will also contribute to the academic life of the Department and College through service, including participation in departmental initiatives, curricular and program development, and student engagement and outreach activities. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly engagement across a broad range of geographical interests, theoretical perspectives, and methodological approaches. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Italian Studies or a closely related field by July 2027. This position will be a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

12/04/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Questions about this search should be addressed to Nels Rogers, Department Chair of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, University of Kentucky ([e-mail]).

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person complies with University regulations concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Employment at the University of Kentucky is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well‑being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work‑life integration. The University generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, the University of Kentucky offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits .