Description:

The Department of African American Studies at the University of Houston welcomes applications for an Instructional Assistant Professor (a promotion-eligible, non-tenure track, position). The successful applicant would teach a 4-4 load, which includes teaching the internship course. We seek a colleague in the humanities or social sciences who has experience teaching the Introduction to African American Studies course.

Scholars with expertise in health or medicine, gender and/or sexuality, performance studies, or religious studies are especially encouraged to apply. We also welcome scholars with a secondary area of expertise in Africa and/or the African diaspora. A PhD in African American Studies, Gender Studies, or a field in the social sciences or humanities is preferred. Expectations of this position include teaching the Introduction course and courses in field of expertise, contributing to the department’s student-centered mission, serving on departmental, and college and/or university committees.

Applicants are to apply at www.uh.edu/careers for posting number 495416 under the faculty employment link. The search will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, application materials must include a cover letter describing teaching and administration experience; curriculum vitae; and contact information for three letters of recommendation providers. Letters will be requested during the interview stage.

The University of Houston is a Carnegie Tier One public research university, offering over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. As the largest public research university in Houston and one of the largest in Texas, UH enrolls over 46,000 students. The university is located just minutes from central Houston.

Founded in 1969 as the Afro-American Studies program, the Department of African American Studies now houses 3.5 tenured/tenure-track faculty with specialties in mental and physical health, literature, history, and gender studies. They are joined by adjuncts, a Professor-of Practice, and over thirty faculty affiliates with specialties in African, African American, Caribbean, Latin American experiences. This position is one of two that has been posted this year. Since receiving departmental status in March 2021, AAS has doubled its number of majors and minors and is on track to continue this growth with the help of a full-time departmental recruiter and energetic faculty. Further, the department proudly partners with Houston community organizations through its robust internship program, summer pipeline program, and research-related programs. With generous funding from the state and donors, the department provides opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in professional development. For more information, please see our website. African American Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | University of Houston

As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston is a vibrant city. Residents enjoy a wide range of experiences, from world-class dining and arts to exciting sports teams. Houston is also home to the Texas Medical Center — the world’s largest medical complex — as well as numerous energy and technology companies, and NASA's Johnson Space Center.

For full consideration, applications, including cv, cover letter, teaching philosophy and a sample of student evaluations and syllabi are due by January 15, 2026.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.