Lehigh University, History/Africana Studies

Assistant Professor, African History

The Program in Africana Studies and the History Department at Lehigh University seek applications for a new tenure-track position, at the rank of assistant professor, in the history of West Africa and the African Diaspora, with a focus on the late fifteenth to late nineteenth century, to begin in the fall of 2012.^*

The successful candidate will have a 2/2 teaching load, holding a joint appointment in Africana Studies and History. In addition to participating in the instruction and advising of undergraduate students in these fields, he/she will contribute to a vibrant graduate (Ph.D.) program in Atlantic World history.

While stressing Africa as a primary field of teaching and research, we expect applicants to be able to teach courses on the African Diaspora, its relationship to the New World and the impact and experiences of Africans in the Americas.  Preference will be given to candidates who are able to offer a variety of courses on the subject, ranging from broad surveys of the history of the African continent to more specialized courses in the pre-colonial or colonial periods.

Africana Studies at Lehigh is now in a period of rapid growth, with four new positions added in three years.  In addition to this new position in African History, the University will be hiring two other new faculty in Africana Studies over the next two years. These hires will involve faculty whose teaching and research is transnational: one in religion and one in expressive cultures, with a desired focus on gender and sexuality in one or both hires.   They bring Africana Studies to a total of fourteen full-time joint-appointment or affiliated faculty, enabling the program to be a vibrant presence at the center of the College of Arts and Sciences and the University’s educational mission.

Send via e-mail a letter of application, c.v., a statement of research and a statement of teaching interests (as Word or PDF attachments) to inafrhst@lehigh.edu by November 1, 2011. Have three references send letters of recommendation separately to the same e-mail address. Please do not send additional materials at this point. Only electronic submissions will be considered.

The review of applications will begin November 1, 2011 and continue until an appointment is made. Preliminary interviews will be held at the AHA annual meeting in Chicago.  Questions concerning the position should be directed to James Peterson, Search Committee Co-Chair, at jbp211@lehigh.edu.

The College of Arts and Science at Lehigh is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and curriculum. Candidates who contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Lehigh University is an AA/EOE and it provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits.