Assistant Professor in American Literature (Pre and Post 1900) - Department of English

The Department of English at West Virginia University invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track appointments in American literature (Pre- and Post-1900) at the assistant professor rank. Possible emphases include but are not limited to race, indigeneity, gender, sexuality, labor, disability, or environmental humanities. We welcome scholars with expertise in Appalachian literature. The preferred start date is August 2025.

The Department of English is home to four undergraduate majors including a B.A. in English, a B.A. in English Secondary Education, a B.A. in Professional Writing and Editing, and a B.S. in Scientific and Technical Writing. We have 24 full-time faculty (tenure, teaching, and service tracks) who consistently win the university's top awards in teaching, research, and mentoring. We have a vibrant community of ~55 graduate students represented across our four graduate programs including an M.A. and Ph.D. in English, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, as well as an M.A. in Professional Writing and Editing. Our graduates have an exemplary placement record finding positions in academic and non-academic environments.

Responsibilities:

The persons hired in these positions will maintain an active research agenda that includes conference papers and publications; demonstrate teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels; and serve the community, university, and profession.

The teaching load is 5 courses an academic year (2-3 or 3-2). Successful applicants will teach both upper and lower-division undergraduate courses, will develop new graduate courses and seminars in their field, and will attract undergraduates to the English major as well as recruit and support current M.A. and Ph.D.

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU's Carnegie Classification is R1 ("Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity"). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes "Best Place to Live" lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and commits to assist in partner employment.

Professional Qualifications:

The successful applicants must have: 1) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in English or a closely related field. Candidates who are ABD, will be considered but must have degree in-hand before the start date; 2) experience teaching courses in American literature at the college level; 3) evidence of and a commitment to establishing and maintaining a record of excellence in research and in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels; 4) excellent written and oral communication skills; 5) the ability to recruit and mentor undergraduate and graduate students; 6) the ability to develop new graduate courses and seminars in their field.

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter addressed to the English Search Committee specifying which position you are applying for, (2) a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and relevant teaching experience, (3) and an academic writing sample of no more than 10,000 words or 25 pages. Review of applications will begin January 6, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Additional information is available at english.wvu.edu; please contact Brian Ballentine at brian.ballentine@mail.wvu.edu with questions.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.