Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $79,350–$116,818 per year
Posted: 11/19/2025
Category: Ethnic and Multicultural Studies; +1

W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies
University of Massachusetts Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship public research institution of the Commonwealth. Founded in 1863 and located on a scenic 1,450-acre campus in Western Massachusetts, UMass Amherst is a nationally ranked land-grant university committed to expanding educational access, advancing innovation, and promoting knowledge for the common good. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and a full range of graduate and professional programs across 10 schools and colleges.

UMass Amherst fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where every member feels valued and empowered to thrive.

Position Overview

The W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in 20th Century African American History, with a particular emphasis on Black Women. Candidates with expertise in Black Feminisms or Gender and Sexuality Studies are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position complements departmental strengths in history and politics while supporting growing student interest in Black Women’s History, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Black Feminisms, and Black Queer Studies.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of new courses, strengthen the current curriculum, support undergraduate and graduate students, and actively participate in a collaborative Africana/Black Studies academic community.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a promising and active research agenda

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including independent graduate seminars by the second year

• Develop new courses and enhance existing offerings in African American history

• Advise and mentor students in the department

• Contribute to departmental service, collaboration, and community engagement

• Uphold and contribute to the intellectual traditions of Africana/Black Studies as a distinct academic discipline

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Afro-American/African American/Africology/African Diaspora/Black/Africana/Pan-African Studies, History, American Studies, Women’s Studies, or a related field
  (degree must be completed by the appointment date)

• Demonstrated scholarly promise

• Evidence of effective undergraduate teaching

Preferred:

• Expertise in Black Feminisms, Gender and Sexuality, or related subfields

More information about the department:
http://www.umass.edu/afroam/

Salary Information

UMass Amherst anticipates a salary within the $79,350–$116,818 range.

• The low end reflects the minimum contractual salary for this rank.

• The high end represents compensation above the departmental median for candidates with extensive faculty experience.

• Final salary will be based on rank, experience, and relevant qualifications at the time an offer is extended.

This is a 9-month, 100% FTE faculty appointment with full benefits.
Position is contingent upon funding availability.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Letter of application

2. Curriculum vitae

3. One-page research statement

4. Teaching statement or teaching portfolio

5. Advising/values statement detailing how your work aligns with the university’s For the Common Good Strategic Plan

   • Strategic Plan: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/

6. Writing sample (up to 25 pages)

7. List of three professional references with full contact information (letters requested later as needed)

Priority deadline: December 1, 2025
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

To learn more about living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

UMass Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state nondiscrimination laws. The university welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and actively seeks candidates who will contribute to its mission of diversity and inclusion.