Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Mexican/Mexican American/Transborder History

The School of Transborder Studies (STS) at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applications for a full-time postdoctoral scholar and teaching associate in Mexican and Mexican American history. The anticipated start date is fall 2023. The specific area of specialization within the field of Mexican/Mexican American/transborder history is open, but preference will be given to candidates who bring a transdisciplinary perspective to research and teaching and a desire to collaborate and engage with STS faculty, affiliates, and students. Transborder Studies faculty are committed to mentoring postdoctoral scholars in order to advance their scholarly agenda and build intellectual community.

The position is located in ASU’s School of Transborder Studies, housed in the social sciences division of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The School of Transborder Studies aims to create new understandings and challenge old understandings of borders as well as facilitate social change in collaboration with transborder communities. We leverage our interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological expertise to educate and innovate in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, with implications for borders and transborder communities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and around the world.

Minimum Qualifications 

• A Ph.D. in History (with a focus in Mexican, Mexican American, transborder, Chicano, or other area related to historical processes of migration affecting the Southwest North American Region) or Chicano/Latino Studies, Border Studies, or closely related field with a historical focus (prior to start date of appointment – August 15, 2023).
• Evidence of or demonstrated potential for excellence in research.
• Ability to teach courses in Mexican and Mexican American history before and after 1900 CE.
• Demonstrated success in or commitment to meeting the needs of diverse student populations.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of undergraduate teaching experience (including experience as a teaching assistant or instructional grader)
• Evidence of and/or interest in teaching online and in-person.
• Evidence of a research agenda congruent with the vision and mission of the School and the interests of Transborder Studies faculty and graduate students, and desire for engagement with School personnel, affiliates, and students. Potential to secure external funding for research.
• Strong bilingual (Spanish/English) skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Evidence of and/or capacity to build strong scholarly relationships and transdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues in the School of Transborder Studies and related units including ASU’s Chicano/a Research Collection.
• Experience and/or familiarity with diverse research methodologies, including but not limited to archival research, oral history, critical historiography, qualitative and quantitative methods, ethnography.

Essential Functions

• Teach one course per semester within the School of Transborder Studies. Courses to be taught: TCL/HST 331 (Mexican American History to 1900) and TCL/HST 332 (Mexican American History since 1900).
• Show evidence of progress toward goals in scholarly research and publishing, including publication of findings from dissertation research and/or other active research projects.
• Participate actively in the STS community, including attending meetings of the STS Academic Assembly (when necessary) and being present for School-sponsored events.

Application Instructions:

Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is January 6, 2023. If not filled, review of complete applications will continue every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

To apply, please submit the following materials electronically

• Cover letter describing your research, teaching and noting how you meet the qualifications described above
• Curriculum vitae
• List of three references, including contact information
• Writing sample
• 1-page statement explaining how you would contribute to diversity and inclusion in the School of Transborder Studies and ASU
• 1-page statement describing your teaching philosophy and approach to undergraduate education

Questions about this position should be directed to Brendan H. O’Connor, Chair of the Search Committee via email to brendan.h.oconnor@asu.edu.