Position Description
The Department of Black Studies at the University of Rochester invites applications and nominations for a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Advanced Associate Professor or Full Professor in African History, to begin July 1, 2027.
We seek a distinguished scholar with an internationally recognized record of research excellence, impactful teaching, and visionary institutional leadership. Chronological period, geographical focus, and methodological approach within African history are open. We particularly encourage applications from scholars whose research connects continental African history with secondary specializations or comparative frameworks in Caribbean, Central American, South American, or Afro-European histories. Relevant areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
- Transatlantic circulations and diaspora studies
- Colonial and postcolonial entanglements
- Maritime trade and Indian Ocean/Atlantic networks
- Intellectual, political, and transnational networks
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active, high-impact research program, teach undergraduate survey courses and advanced seminars in African history, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, direct doctoral dissertations in History, and provide strong leadership within the department and across interdisciplinary university initiatives, including working closely with related programs.
Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Black/Africana Studies, History, or a closely related discipline.
- Rank & Research: A tenured profile with a sustained record of peer-reviewed publications (e.g., major monographs and influential journal articles) demonstrating exceptional scholarly impact and an ambitious ongoing research trajectory.
- For appointment as Advanced Associate Professor: A second book published or in press is required.
- For appointment as Full Professor: A record of distinguished scholarly achievement commensurate with senior rank.
- Teaching & Mentorship: Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction, alongside a proven commitment to mentoring graduate students and directing doctoral dissertations.
- Service & Leadership: Evidence of significant departmental citizenship, collaborative interdisciplinary engagement, and a willingness to contribute to faculty development and curricular innovation.
Salary & Teaching Expectations
- Salary Range: $140,000 – $200,000 per year, commensurate with rank, qualifications, and experience.
- Teaching Load: Standard teaching load for research-active faculty in the department is 2/2 (four courses per academic year), alongside active mentorship and participation in departmental governance.
Application Details
Application Instructions
For full consideration, complete application packages must be submitted by November 1, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should upload the following materials via Interfolio:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately following the deadline and will continue until the position is filled. For additional inquiries, please contact the chair of the search committee, Stefanie K. Dunning directly at Stefanie.Dunning@rochester.edu.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials via our online application portal: