University of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Assistant Professor of African Literatures and Cultures

Deadline: October 1, 2023

Department(s): English Language and Literatures

The Department of English Language and Literatures at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in African Literatures and Cultures at the level of Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024. We are open to applications from all historical and contemporary fields and, while we are searching for a scholar of Anglophone literatures, we welcome comparative approaches. Candidates should demonstrate an active engagement with the theories and methodologies currently informing the field of African literatures and cultures (broadly defined, including comparative and diasporic African, Afro-Caribbean, and/or Afro-Latinx studies). An interest in Black Studies would also be an asset. We encourage applications from scholars whose research complements existing departmental strengths in climate justice/environmental humanities, media studies, post/anti/decolonial studies, Global South studies, and Indigenous Studies as well as from scholars whose research expands upon our strengths (including but not limited to: Afro-Indigenous studies, critical refugee studies, disability studies, queer and/or trans studies, interdisciplinary or experimental methodologies, etc.). This appointment may also contribute to a number of curricular and research initiatives in the Faculty of Arts, including the African Studies minor, the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies, and the Social Justice Institute.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person (the latter understood broadly in its global context). Applicants are asked to include, as part of their application materials, a separate statement describing past experiences that promote diversity, inclusion, and justice, broadly understood. Applicants should also demonstrate future commitments to a more inclusive and just representation of racialized minorities in the applicant’s core discipline(s), in the academy more broadly, and/or affiliate institution(s).

Applicants must have a PhD or provide solid indication of imminent completion. Applicants are expected to provide strong evidence of active and excellent research and demonstrate a record of, or potential for, high quality teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Department of English Language and Literatures at UBC has a newly enhanced curriculum that features courses in the literatures and cultures of Africa. We also have courses on anticolonial, decolonial, and postcolonial studies, on Global South connections, and on migration and transnational networks. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels and in introductory literature courses as well as specialist area courses. The successful candidate will also be expected to maintain an active program of scholarly research leading to publication, effective teaching, graduate supervision, and service.

For information about the programs, faculty research interests, and general activities of the Department visit: https://english.ubc.ca. To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit their applications through the UBC website (https://engl.air.arts.ubc.ca/position-jr13889) and be prepared to upload the following in the order listed: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a description of current and future research interests, a statement of teaching philosophy, a diversity statement (referred to above), a sample of ongoing research, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations, sample syllabi, etc.). Applicants should also arrange to have confidential letters from three referees sent to english.recruitment@ubc.ca by the same deadline. Applications and all supporting materials should be received by October 1st, 2023. Review of applications will begin soon after this date and will continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Queries should be addressed to: Professor Patricia Badir, Head Department of English Language and Literatures University of British Columbia 397-1873 East Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1 All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Area(s) of Specialization Desired: African Literatures and Cultures

Position Start Date:July 1, 2024

HR Application Link: https://engl.air.arts.ubc.ca/position-jr13889