Position Announcement:
Title and Position:
We are seeking a tenured position at the rank of associate or full professor in the Department of African American and African Studies (AAAS) with 100% appointment in the unit, with normally expected 40% research, 40% teaching, 20% service time percentages. The areas of specialization for this position is open, with a preference for the capacity to teach interdisciplinary social science methods. AAAS is a newly approved, interdisciplinary department that will serve an undergraduate and graduate population. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to embody and convey the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach to multiple audiences; aid in the cultivation of an emerging department; be a strong advocate for the new Department; and provide support for the development of outstanding regional, national, and international programs. The full time, 9-month appointment position is available beginning August 15, 2020.
Background:
Michigan State University is a national leader in agricultural research and extension programming. MSU is a member of the AAU with a diverse community of dedicated students, scholars, athletes, and artists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. AAAS at MSU was initially founded as a PhD granting program in 2002 as a unit committed to making concrete connections between faculty scholarship, pedagogy, and social justice causes. An undergraduate minor was created in 2014 in order to extend the Black Studies experience to an increasing interest undergraduate population. With the creation of the new department (effective July 1, 2019), AAAS continues to embrace diverse scholarly approaches to research, teaching, and civic engagement required for comprehensive study within the larger Black Studies discipline.
Responsibilities:
This tenured faculty member will play a key role in the development of a new AAAS Department with core areas in Feminisms, Genders, and Sexualities Studies. The normal teaching load is 2-2. The successful candidate will maintain high quality research in Black Studies or related interdisciplinary fields and approaches. The service load for this position will be distinctive as the incumbent will provide support to an inaugural chairperson. The following responsibilities include, but are not limited to: aiding in the implementation of strategic short- and long-range plans for departmental development; assisting in the creation and implementation of operating policies and procedures according to best practices of faculty governance; including best practices for recruiting outstanding faculty, students, and staff; helping to facilitate the creation of a departmental governance structure; and aiding in creating educational programs to foster and produce knowledge in the field.
Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates that have a doctorate in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, Women’s Studies, hold relevant terminal degrees, or practice any related interdisciplinary approach. We value interdisciplinarity and the work of candidates (especially those with a PhD in a “traditional” discipline) should incorporate and seriously engages knowledge, methods, and approaches from Race and Ethnic Studies, especially Black Studies. Candidates for this position must meet the requirements for tenure at the rank of associate or full professor. There are no required areas of specialization for this position, however we are seeking an applicant with an appreciation for the range of methodologies and approaches related to Black Studies. A successful candidate should have a demonstrated history of community engagement and/or community-based approaches to scholarship.
Application Procedure: To apply, applicants must submit an application at the MSU Human Resources site at http://careers.msu.edu/ (Posting #594270).
Applications received by November 1, 2019 will receive full consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Nominations of qualified individuals and inquiries about the position should be addressed to: Dr. Glenn Chambers Jr.
Professor of AAAS and History
Michigan State University
619 Red Cedar Rd #C629
East Lansing, MI 48824
Office: 517-353-4617
Email: chamb311@msu.edu
MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.
The College of Arts & Letters promotes an academic and organizational culture which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members in order to achieve true excellence. The College of Arts and Letters is interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.