Assistant Professor of Asian Studies

University of Texas Austin

Department

Department of Asian Studies
University of Texas at Austin

Position Description

The Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Instruction to teach courses connected to the JapanLab, an innovative interdisciplinary Digital Humanities initiative with a strong track record of success. More details can be found at www.utjapanlab.com. We especially invite applications from interested candidates working in Japanese literature and media, Japanese history or connected fields, as well as applicants with experience in Digital Humanities methods or an interest in video games, but coding skills or experience with game development are not required. Candidates should be interested in working alongside undergraduate teams.

Teaching Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a 2/2 course load each semester. One of these classes will focus on the development of new games for the JapanLab project where faculty collaborate with small groups of students to design functional educational games and digital resources for Japanese Studies classrooms. The students are drawn from across the university with the faculty member acting in an advisory capacity with a focus on content. The successful candidate will also teach courses related to their research and general teaching field.

Administrative Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take on the role as Executive Director for JapanLab. Administrative responsibilities include student recruitment, promoting and maintaining the website, and networking with internal and external programs and organizations to help grow the program.

Appointment Details

The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to work collaboratively in a unique program that sits at the intersection of Japanese Studies and Digital Humanities. The initial contract will be for one year with a one-year extension pending satisfactory job performance. We are able to offer a highly competitive salary.

Inquiries

Questions about this position can be directed to the current JapanLab Executive Director,
Dr. Jessa Dahl (jessa.dahl@austin.utexas.edu).

Qualifications

Applicants must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. by the start of the contract.

Application Instructions

The committee will begin reviewing applications March 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit the following:

• Letter of interest
• CV
• List and description of two other proposed courses in your field
• Digital Humanities statement (addressing any work or interest in this area including video games)
• Proposal for a JapanLab game (see examples: www.utjapanlab.com/game-pitch)
• One writing sample (30 pages max)
• Three letters of recommendation

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