Linguistics Instructor/Ast Professor Fixed Term

The Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures at Michigan State University seeks a full-time Instructor or Assistant Professor of Linguistics for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a fixed-term, nine-month, academic year position beginning August 16, 2026. Rank is determined by highest degree, with a Master’s degree required for an instructor position and a PhD required for an Assistant Professor position. All degrees must be confirmed by degree-granting institutions at the time of hire.

The teaching load will be 5 courses plus some advising of students on research projects, and participation in one of the Linguistics program labs. A small percentage of service in the program or department is also likely. The successful candidate must be able to teach an upper-level Introduction to Cognitive Science, an upper-level Introduction to Linguistics, and a graduate-level course in Syntax or Semantics, and a course in the College of Arts & Letters’ general education program in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities. Additional expertise in First Language Acquisition is desirable.

Required Degree

Doctorate - Linguistics

Minimum Requirements

• ABD or Ph.D. in Linguistics;
• ability to teach LIN 463 (Introduction to Cognitive Science);
• ability to teach LIN 401 (Introduction to Linguistics);
• ability to teach a graduate course in Syntax or Semantics;
• ability to teach a course in the general education program in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities;
• demonstrated research experience in linguistics as a cognitive science, especially in Syntax or Semantics.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD preferred;
• demonstrated research experience in first-language acquisition
• demonstrated record of teaching at the undergraduate level, preferably in the US.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit:

1. a cover letter (max. 2 pages)
2. current curriculum vitae
3. the names and email addresses of 3 potential referees (please fill out the initial application with these names and emails)

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin June 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu.

For more information, contact Dr. Brian Buccola, Chair of the Search Committee, at buccola@msu.edu.