Visiting Assistant Professor

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); Vor Ort; USD 54.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The University of Kansas invites applications for a visiting assistant professor in Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies for the 2027-28 year. The position is non-tenure track and begins August 18, 2027, with a teaching load of two courses in fall and two in spring, plus coordination of the Russian undergraduate program and supervision of GTAs in Russian language courses.

Required is a Ph.D. in Slavic Studies or related field with Russian language expertise and a strong record of research.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Slavic Studies or closely related field by start date.
• Proven ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Strong research record in Slavic Studies.
• Native or near-native proficiency in Russian and English.

Aufgaben

• Teach two courses in the fall and two courses in the spring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Coordinate the Russian undergraduate program and supervise GTAs in beginning and intermediate Russian language courses.
• Engage in research activity in your area of specialization and contribute to department governance.
• Participate in departmental events and service to the university community.

Kenntnisse

Russian language proficiency

English language proficiency

Teaching excellence

Ausbildung

PhD in Slavic Studies or closely related field

Jobbeschreibung

Position Overview

Position OverviewThe Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies (SGES) at the University of Kansas invites applications for a non-tenure track appointment at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor. The position is for one academic year, beginning on August 18, 2027. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Slavic Studies or a closely related field with a specialization in Russian literature and culture (expected by the start date of the appointment). Preference will be given to critical approaches to literature and culture of the Russian empire, from the end of the 18th century onward. Additional expertise in Instructed Second Language Acquisition and/or one or several of the colonized/indigenous cultures of the region, including, but not limited to Central Asia, the Caucasus, or Siberia, would be welcome. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellence in teaching as well as a strong record of research in Slavic Studies. The teaching load is two courses in the fall and two courses in the spring. The position also includes coordination of the Russian undergraduate program and supervision of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in beginning and intermediate Russian language courses. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the time of appointment.

Job Description

Research: (30%): Establish and maintain an active and productive program of research within area of specialization.

Teaching/Advising/Program Coordination: (50%): Teach two courses in the fall and two courses in the spring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including (primarily advanced) Russian language courses and content courses in English and Russian. Teaching duties include developing syllabi, preparing and teaching lectures, creating, administering, and grading homework assignments and exams, and holding regular office hours. Advising duties may include mentoring graduate students in the Department and serving on undergraduate and graduate thesis and exam committees, as appropriate. Russian program coordination includes curriculum development and supervision of GTAs teaching Russian language courses.

Service: (20%): Visiting faculty members are expected to participate in departmental events and actively contribute to the workings of the University community. They are expected to perform service to the Department, College, University, and/or the profession at large.

The Visiting Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Slavic Studies or closely related field (expected by the start date of the appointment), with a specialization in Russian literature and culture.
2. Potential for high-quality teaching and a commitment to teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
3. A strong record of research in Slavic Studies.
4. Native or near-native proficiency in Russian and English.

This position requires a PhD degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Additional Candidate Instructions

1. letter of application outlining interest in and qualifications for the position
2. curriculum vitae
3. writing sample of 20-30 pages (either a dissertation chapter or a published article or book chapter)
4. teaching philosophy statement (describing approach to teaching both language and literature/culture)
5. syllabus for an undergraduate-level literature and culture class
6. syllabus for a graduate-level seminar with the focus on a 19th-century literature topic
7. contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin on November 13th and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Nina Vyatkina | [e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins: Friday November 13, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Wednesday August 18, 2027