Assistant Teaching Professor of Africana Studies

Description

The Department of Africana Studies at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for the position of Assistant Teaching Professor of Africana Studies. This is a renewable-term hire intended to be a career position with the opportunity for advancement in rank going forward.

Qualifications

Exceptional candidates should hold a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in African American Studies, Africana Studies, African Diaspora Studies, or in History, English, Political Science, Sociology, or other Liberal Arts fields, with a certificate or demonstrated expertise in teaching African American, Africana, or African Diaspora Studies. The teaching load will be 3:2 per academic year, plus service as Director of Undergraduate Studies.

The DUS/Teaching Faculty role is an integral part of the day-to-day function of the department. Therefore, the DUS/Teaching Faculty must be able to offer administrative leadership of the undergraduate programming and curriculum, program recruitment, and teaching of the department’s gateway course, Introduction to Africana Studies, as well as courses that reflect the applicant's research and teaching interests. Additional responsibilities for this position include course planning and organization, recruitment, programmatic representation at University events, and collaboration and communication with other directors of undergraduate studies across the university regarding shared and cross-listed courses. Equally as important, the DUS will offer advising for Africana Studies undergraduate students and oversee the senior thesis/internship requirement for the department. The DUS will also be responsible for leading the Doan Fellows program, an evolving undergraduate research program. As a teaching faculty member, the DUS will be welcome to pursue research, but is not required to do so. We seek an innovative educator with demonstrated pedagogical excellence and ideas for program building.

An international Catholic research university 90 miles from Chicago, the University of Notre Dame is a member of the Greater Chicago Midwest Higher Education Recruitment Consortium. The University supports the needs of dual-career couples and has a Dual Career Assistance Program in place to assist relocating spouses and significant others with their job search.

Application Instructions

While the committee will review applications until the position is filled, candidates should submit their applications by November 17, 2025, for the most careful consideration. Applicants should submit the following items electronically via Interfolio: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and teaching statement of 1-2 pages. Also, Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly to Interfolio by their recommenders. Questions may be directed to Dr. Maria McKenna, 217 Main Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556, or mmckenn9@nd.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.