Assistant Professor20th Century African American History

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access fuel innovation and creativity and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863 UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching research scholarship and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse equitable and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valuedand thrives and offers a full range of undergraduate graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental social economic and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 20 th Century African American History with a focus on Black Women. A subfield examining Black Feminisms or Gender and Sexuality would also be of interest.

This hire would align with existing faculty strengths in history/politics in the department and enhance existing strengths in 20 th century African American History. The position would support growing interest in Black Womens History Black Feminisms Gender and Sexuality Studies and Black Queer Studies. We are seeking a colleague who can aid the development of new courses (and strengthen existing courses) while directly supporting our undergraduate and graduate students. We are particularly interested in applicants with research and teaching focusing on Black Women in U.S. History the Civil Rights Movement and other areas of broad interest.

The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of a promising research agenda and readiness to teach independent graduate courses by the second year of appointment as well as contribute to a collaborative Africana/Black Studies department. Additionally the candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to Africana/Black Studies as an intellectual field with its own unique disciplinary characteristics.

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. from a department of Afro-American/African American/Africology/African Diaspora/Black/Africana/Pan-African Studies History American Studies Womens Studies or other relevant fields is required by the date of appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate scholarly promise as well as evidence of effective undergraduate teaching.

More information on the Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies can be found here: Qualifications

Candidates with a subfield examining Black Feminisms or Gender and Sexuality would also be of interest.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79350 and $116818 for this position. Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
• The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Application Instructions

To apply applicants must submit 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) one-page research statement; 4) teaching statement/portfolio; 5) a statement from the candidate indicating how their work aligns with the Universitys For a Common Good Strategic Plan. This statement should outline your advising values and demonstrate how they align with the University of Massachusetts Amherst For the Common Good Strategic Plan. To learn more about the Strategic Plan please visit: 6) writing sample up to twenty-five pages; and 7) list of three current references with full contact information including valid email addresses that will be willing to provide a letter of reference upon request.

The application priority deadline is December 1 2025 and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.

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The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.