"Assistant Professor, Japanese (Modern or Contemporary) (TE)"

Position Highlights

The Department of East Asian Studies in the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona invites applications for an in-person tenure eligible position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Modern or Contemporary Japanese Studies. We seek a dynamic, interdisciplinary scholar whose innovative approaches to research and teaching complement and broaden existing departmental strengths in the anthropology, history, linguistics, literature, and religion of East Asia. The period of specialization is flexible, but preference will be given to those focusing on cultural studies of modern or contemporary Japan (from the 20th century to the present) or research that spans the conventional modern/contemporary boundary.

We especially welcome scholars whose research focuses on areas such as literature, translation studies, film and performing arts, visual culture, diasporic communities within and/or outside of Japan, and digital humanities, as well as global or transregional perspectives. Ph.D. in hand is required by the time of the appointment in August 2026.

Review of applications begins on November 11, 2025.

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will maintain an active research and publishing agenda, demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring, and contribute to departmental, college, and university initiatives for sustained growth and success. The successful candidate will be qualified to teach graduate and undergraduate courses at all levels, and in all modalities (in-person, hybrid, online). Teaching responsibilities include two courses per semester, including upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's area of specialization, as well as lower-division courses that contribute to the department's General Education offerings in Japanese and East Asian Studies. Candidates will also be expected to oversee undergraduate and graduate research projects and contribute actively to undergraduate and graduate recruitment and advising. Successful candidates will have opportunities to collaborate with the Center for East Asian Studies (a Title VI National Resource Center), Center for Digital Humanities, and related initiatives across campus. The department is especially interested in candidates who are highly collaborative, exploratory, and whose promise of scholarly achievement will contribute to the ongoing excellence of our academic community. The new hire will also have the ability to work effectively with the Department Head, faculty, staff, and students.

• Teach four 3-credit courses per academic year, including a combination of the teaching areas listed above, in consultation with the Department Head and based on departmental need.
• Maintain an active research agenda and record of publication commensurate with a Research I university.
• Actively recruit and assist in recruiting East Asian Studies majors and graduate students.
• Participate in Departmental and College-wide activities such as East Asian Studies Festival, Meet Your Major Fair, Study Abroad Fair, Language Fair, Convocation, Welcome Back receptions, Homecoming, study abroad programs, Commencement, and the Tucson Humanities Festival.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Robust research skills.
• Demonstrated student-centered pedagogical knowledge; ability to serve the educational needs of students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses related to modern or contemporary Japanese and/or East Asian societies.
• Demonstrated interest and potential in recruiting undergraduate students in the Japanese culture program, East Asian Studies majors, and graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD (in hand at time of appointment) focusing on a field relevant to the criteria outlined above and in an East Asian context.
• Proficiency in English and Japanese.
• Demonstrated commitment to best practices in teaching and pedagogical leadership, including an ability to teach in all modalities (in person, hybrid, online).
• Evidence or promise of scholarly achievement aligned with the expectations of a Research I university.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience teaching courses related to Japanese modern or contemporary culture to a variety of students at an R1 institution.

Rank

Assistant Professor

Tenure Information

Tenant-Eligible (TE)

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Academic

Job Category

Faculty

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

DOE

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Susan McGee, susanmcgee@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Four Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please upload the required documents for full consideration (please do not type directly into the application system). Curriculum vitae (CV), Cover Letter, Up to 2 writing samples (less than 30 pages each) (combined into one attachment), Digital teaching portfolio, which will include: A teaching philosophy statement; and a research statement (combined into one attachment), A recruitment of undergraduate majors approach statement; and a course syllabus reflecting innovative teaching developed by the candidate (combined into one attachment), Optional but beneficial components may include: two recent complete (quantitative and qualitative data) teaching evaluations, awards, recognitions, and certificates, community engagement, and recording of teaching (combined into one attachment). Within a few business days after submitting your application you will receive an email asking you to provide contact information for 3 references, at least one who can speak to your teaching ability (do NOT click the "Submit" button until you have added all 3 references using the plus "+" sign button). Your references will then be requested to upload a letter of recommendation into the system. Once the 3 letters of recommendation have been uploaded, the application will be considered complete. Full consideration will be given to complete applications.