Assistant Professor of Korean History (post-1945)

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - Irvine invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in post-1945 Korean History, beginning July 2027. The successful candidate will conduct research on Korean sources in the language and contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs, while supporting the Center for Critical Korean Studies.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in History or a related field by July 1, 2027; ABD considered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in History or related field with a research/teaching focus on post-1945 Korean history.
• ABD may be considered; Ph.D. must be completed by 7/1/2027.
• Ability to work with Korean language historical sources.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in post-1945 Korean history.
• Develop and advance research on Korean language sources and contribute to the Center for Critical Korean Studies.
• Support departmental and program goals through service and collaboration.

Skills

Korean language sources

Post-1945 Korean history

Education

Ph.D. in History

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $93,500 - $121,400. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Application Window

Open date: August 5, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Department of History at the University of California, Irvine invites applications for a tenure-track position in post-1945 Korean History at the rank of assistant professor, beginning in July 2027. The successful candidate will have a research portfolio rooted in the post-1945 period and a demonstrated ability to work with Korean language historical sources. The hire will contribute to the department's undergraduate and graduate program, and work to support the continued growth of the Center for Critical Korean Studies.

For the initial review, candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, a writing sample (of no longer than 30 pages), and three letters of reference. The letter of application should address the candidate's past and projected contributions to research, teaching, and service. The University of California remains fully committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applicants to address how their skills, expertise, and experiences might serve the varied communities of California.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by October 1, 2026. Additional materials, such as sample syllabi or other writing samples, may be requested at a later date.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the UCI Recruit Website.

Please direct questions about the electronic submission procedure to Marcus Kanda, [e-mail].

To learn more about the Department of History, please visit the UCI History Department Website.

Department

https://www.humanities.uci.edu/history

Program

https://www.humanities.uci.edu/criticalkorean

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Ph.D. in History, relevant Humanities discipline, or an interdisciplinary field with a research and teaching focus on post-1945 Korean history

Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered. Ph.D. must be completed by the date of appointment (7/1/2027)

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Letter of Application - The letter of application should address the candidate's past and projected contributions to research, teaching, and service, as well as contributions to the Center for Critical Korean Studies. The University of California remains fully committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applicants to address how their skills, expertise, and experiences might serve the varied communities of California.
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Writing Sample - Writing sample no longer than 30 pages.

Reference requirements

• 3 letters of reference required

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affrimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA