Associate/Full Professor - Islamic/Middle Eastern Studies

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Department of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time nine-month faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or above (tenured) in Islamic cultures and civilizations of the Middle East and/or broader Islamic world, to begin September 1, 2025.

Areas of specialization are open, but should reflect breadth of knowledge and interest in Islamic cultures in the Middle East, Africa and/or Asia, and in-depth knowledge of one or more Muslim-majority countries. Course load is 2-2. The successful candidate will be expected to teach one or more broad undergraduate survey courses on Islam in Middle Eastern and/or global contemporary contexts, as well as specialized courses in their fields. We encourage applications from candidates spanning the humanities and/or social sciences, including but not limited to fields such as religious studies, anthropology, media studies, or interdisciplinary Middle Eastern, Asian, or African studies, who can complement our department's existing strengths in Middle Eastern history, politics and law. Our department values diversity as a core element of academic excellence.

Requirements

Candidates should (1) have earned a doctoral degree in a relevant field by time of appointment, (2) be a tenured associate professor or full professor with an outstanding established record of teaching and research that are appropriate for a senior level appointment at the University, and (3) have the commitment to collaborative participation and engagement with governance in an active and energetic department.

Additional Information

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the University offers an attractive benefits package.

For more information on living, working, and learning at the University, please visit: https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty.

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter; curriculum vitae; 50 pages of recent written work (in PDF form); a statement of your teaching philosophy and experience of no more than 750 words; a statement of your research trajectory and future goals of no more than 750 words; and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The position will remain posted until filled. Applicants must apply by the priority deadline of November 15, 2024 to ensure full consideration.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.