Term Assistant Professor

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Term Assistant Professor split between the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the Department of History & Art History. The position involves teaching undergraduate courses with a focus on classical mythology, history of Greece and Rome, and developing new special-topic courses. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Classical Studies or a related field.

This full-time role requires a teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester, equating to 4 courses each term with the initial contract lasting 9 months, extendable based on performance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Classical Studies, Classics or Ancient History
• 2-3 years undergraduate teaching experience
• Ability to teach courses online or in-person

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Classical Studies and History
• Develop and teach new special-topic courses on ancient subjects

Skills

Undergraduate teaching experience

Ability to teach classical mythology

Ability to teach classical literature

Ability to teach the history of Ancient Greece

Ability to teach the history of Ancient Rome

Course development skills

Education

Ph.D. in Classical Studies, Classics or Ancient History

Master's degree in Classical Studies, Classics or Ancient History (preferred)

Job description

Term Assistant Professor

Department: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Classification: 9‑month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full‑Time

Work Schedule: Full‑time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

Holding to the vision of George Mason University as being the most diverse university in Virginia, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages is home to more than fifteen foreign languages and offers a wide variety of courses in language, literature, and culture from the introductory, to advanced, and graduate levels. Our PhD in the Cultural Studies program is the oldest of its kind in the U.S. It is designed to augment traditional disciplinary training in the humanities and social sciences with rigorous training in interdisciplinary work to engage critically with the current cultural and political conjuncture. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages is home to a diverse and collegial faculty committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity through excellence in teaching and research, in service to the university and students. For more information about the department visit https://mcl.gmu.edu/about-the-department/the-department-of-modern-and-classical-languages.

While maintaining a reputation for excellence in the traditional academic pursuits of teaching and research, the Department of History and Art History undertakes three additional and distinctive missions. Led by our Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, we make use of digital media to preserve and present the past in new ways. We approach the past from an essentially multidisciplinary perspective, maintaining separate, but integrated programs in History and Art History. Finally, we seek to engage the broader public in a discussion about the past.

About the Position

This is a joint position split between the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the Department of History & Art History with a required teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester (4 courses each term) divided equally between the two departments. The initial contract is for a 9‑month period, with the possibility of renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and departmental and program needs. This position requires the successful candidate to offer a combination of Classical Studies (CLAS 250‑390; readings in English) and History (HIST 301 and 302) instruction at the undergraduate level. The successful candidate will be a specialist in the literature and/or history of the classical world of Greece and Rome prepared to teach introductory undergraduate courses in mythology, upper‑level classes in ancient literary genres (such as epic, comedy, and tragedy), and essential surveys in the history of Greece and Rome. Job ID: 10004207

Responsibilities

• Teaching in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (small 2.5% service requirement). Courses include: CLAS 250‑390 (link: https://mcl.gmu.edu/about-the-department/classical-studies)
• Teaching in the Department of History and Art History (small 2.5% service requirement). Courses include: HIST 301 (link: https://historyarthistory.gmu.edu/courses/hist301), HIST 302 (link: https://historyarthistory.gmu.edu/courses/hist302)

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Classical Studies, Classics or Ancient History
• 2‑3 years undergraduate teaching experience
• Ability to teach courses on classical mythology and literature in translation, either in‑person or online
• Ability to teach courses on the history of Ancient Greece and/or Rome, either in‑person or online
• Ability to develop new special‑topic courses on ancient subjects

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Classical Studies, Classics or Ancient History

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Term Assistant Professor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter, CV, and philosophy of teaching statement.

Posting Dates

Posting Open Date: June 25, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 13, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes