Assistant/Associate Director of Feminist Studies

The Feminist Studies Program, an interdisciplinary program at Southwestern University, invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor position in Feminist Studies to start August 2023. The candidate’s specialization is open, however we are particularly interested in applicants whose teaching and research includes Black or transnational feminist traditions and/or intersectional queer theory. We are also interested in candidates whose work and teaching are situated in Feminist STS (Science, Technology, & Society Studies), animal, environmental, and/or disability studies.

We are seeking applicants interested in contributing to a range of interdisciplinary programs, including Latin American and Border Studies, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Environmental Studies, and/or International Studies, who are passionate about being a teacher-scholar in the liberal arts context, and who have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as intrinsic aspects of excellence in teaching, mentoring, and scholarship. We welcome candidates with a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and who would be poised to closely mentor the diverse range of students we attract.

Faculty at Southwestern are expected to teach a standard course load of five courses per year (either 2-3 or 3-2), maintain an active research agenda, as well as participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, and academic advising. The successful candidate will teach 2-3 sections of introductory feminist studies courses each year, rotate between approximately three different upper level electives in their areas of interest, and alternate between teaching the major-only mid-level core theory and method course and the senior research seminar. 

Candidates must have a PhD in Women’s and Gender Studies and/or possess 18 hours of graduate level coursework in the field and Women’s and Gender Studies doctoral certification. Candidates must also possess a demonstrated record of commitment to and excellence in teaching undergraduate students in the area of women's and gender studies and commitment to mentoring minoritized students and cultivating inclusion and belonging, along with an active research agenda. 

Building on Southwestern University’s commitment to academic excellence and making connections within and across disciplines, we are pleased to share that this position is part of a diversity, equity, and inclusion cohort hiring initiative in the thematic areas of race, ethnicity, and social justice. The thematic hire initiative seeks to recruit and retain a diverse community of teacher-scholars from multiple disciplines in the humanities and social sciences (including English, Feminist Studies, History, Political Science, and Sociology) who will strengthen the University offerings in race, ethnicity, and social justice as well as increase curricular coverage of areas related to diversity and inclusion. As part of the thematic hiring process, Southwestern will provide members of the cohort with opportunities and resources to enhance their success and well-being such as participating in mentoring networks, research and writing workshops, and additional ongoing professional development. 

The Feminist Studies Program and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the fall 2021 semester, over 40% of students enrolled at Southwestern are members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. Please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area.  Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student–faculty ratio of 12 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

Priority will be given to applications received by October 15. The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/113083.  Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV, two letters of reference, writing sample, sample syllabi, and a statement speaking to the candidate’s teaching philosophy and experience, research, and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/M/F.