Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, History

Assistant Professor, Middle East History

The History Department at Virginia Tech seeks a historian of the Middle East for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor to begin in August 2014.  Field of specialization, geographical focus, and chronological period are open.  Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in history or related field by the time of appointment; an ability to teach survey courses in Middle Eastern history and to develop new undergraduate and graduate courses; and a record demonstrating a promise of excellence in research and teaching.  The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in Virginia Tech’s many interdisciplinary programs as well as work effectively with a diverse community in support of Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community.  Preference will be shown for candidates with an interest in contributing to the Department’s strengths in public history and outreach; a commitment to the use of emerging technology and new media in teaching and research; and the potential for obtaining external funding.

The Carnegie Foundation classifies Virginia Tech as a university with “very high research activity,” and the History Department also has a very strong record of excellence in teaching.  The normal teaching load in the History Department is two courses per semester.  Members of the Department work closely with faculty in interdisciplinary programs, including the Middle East Studies Minor, Women’s and Gender Studies, Africana Studies, Science and Technology Studies, ASPECT/Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought.

Located in the town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is the largest state-supported university in Virginia.  Blacksburg, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges, was voted a Top 10 “dream town” for outdoor activities by Outside Magazine, and declared the “Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids” by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Virginia Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Virginia Tech responds to the needs of dual career couples and has a variety of policies in place to provide flexibility for faculty careers.

Candidates must apply online at https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/43162 and provide a letter of application, CV, an article-length writing sample (upload under “Other Doc”), and a 1-2 page statement of teaching philosophy. Three letters of reference should be sent to:

Middle East Search Committee
Department of History (0117)
431 Major Williams
220 Stanger St.
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Review of applications will begin on November 8.