Instructor/Assistant Professor Fixed Term

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a passionate German Instructor or Assistant Professor to join their dynamic team. This full-time, fixed-term position for the Fall Semester 2025 offers an exciting opportunity to teach undergraduate courses in German Studies, engaging students in both in-person and online formats. Ideal candidates will possess a strong academic background, including a Master's degree or PhD in German Studies, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence in their teaching practices. Join a vibrant academic community dedicated to fostering diverse voices and perspectives while pushing the boundaries of language education.

Qualifications

• M.A. in German Studies or related field required; PhD preferred.
• Proven record of excellence in teaching language and content courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach three undergraduate courses in German Program each semester.
• Utilize both in-person and online teaching modalities.

Skills

German language proficiency

English language proficiency

Teaching experience

Online teaching proficiency

Curriculum development

Education

Master's degree in German Studies

PhD in German Studies

Tools

Learning management systems

Digital platforms for language learning

Job description

Working/Functional Title: German Instructor/Ast Professor Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures in the College of Arts and Letters is seeking a full-time Instructor or Assistant Professor of German Studies. This is a non-recurring fixed-term position for the Fall Semester 2025, starting August 16, 2025. Responsibilities include teaching three undergraduate courses in the German Program with a possibility that one of those courses may be replaced by a course in the College of Arts & Letters’ general education program, Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities (IAH). A Master's degree is required for the Instructor position; a PhD for the Assistant Professor position. All degrees must be conferred by the time of hire. Advanced PhD candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching three undergraduate courses per semester in the German Program and/or in the College of Arts & Letters’ general education program in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities (IAH). German and English are the languages of instruction, respectively. Course assignments will be a combination of in-person and online modalities and there is an expectation of residency in commutable distance to East Lansing.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• M.A. in German Studies or related field.
• A Master's degree is required for the Instructor position.
• A PhD is required for the Assistant Professor position.
• All degrees must be conferred by the time of hire.
• Proven record of excellence in teaching language and content courses online and in-person from first to fourth year.
• Expert language proficiency in German and English (minimum of CEFR C2 or ACTFL Advanced High).

Desired Qualifications

• ABD or Ph.D. in German Studies or related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in online teaching and/or appropriate technologies in language instruction, such as learning management systems and common digital platforms for language learning.
• Ability and willingness to work independently as well as with other instructors.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit:

• Cover letter with a brief statement of teaching philosophy and a summary of German teaching experience as it relates to this position's requirements and MSU’s goals of inclusive excellence;
• Current curriculum vitae;
• A 1-page summary of your philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence. For more about MSU’s DEI efforts, see here. For more information about writing diversity statements, see here.
• Names and email addresses of three references.

Special Instructions

Compensation commensurate with experience and in accord with the Union of Nontenure Track Faculty (UNTF) contract.

Review of applications will begin April 30, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website here. Posting number 1029578.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview. There will be no on-campus component to the search.

For more information, contact Matt Handelman, Chair of the Search Committee at [e-mail].

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

04/30/2025

Website

lilac.msu.edu

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.