University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Africana Studies

Assistant Professor, Africana Studies and Global Health

Department of Africana Studies

University of Tennessee

Job Description

Africana Studies and Global Health

University of Tennessee

Arts & Sciences/Africana Studies/Multi-Disciplinary

Institution Type:  College/University

Location: Tennessee, United States

Position(s): Tenure-Track Faculty

ARTS AND SCIENCES: TENURE-TRACK POSITIONS

The new Department of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position to begin Fall Semester 2023. Although the process to convert the Africana Studies IDP into a fully-fledged, stand-alone degree will be an objective to complete, Africana Studies is a tenure-granting Department in the College of Art & Sciences.

We seek an individual whose work focuses on Africana Studies and Global Health and whose research agenda encompasses a broad spectrum of scholarship and creative activity related to the Continent (and/or peoples) of Africa, the African Diaspora, and/or the African American experience. We are interested in scholars whose work explores health, wellness, and/or medicine within an international or global perspective.

We encourage applications for this position from qualified individuals pursuing research agendas aligned with our Africana Studies academic unit, especially in one or more of the following concentrations, with respect to Africana Studies and Global Health, Wellness, and Medicine (not listed in order of priority):

• Health, Psychology, and Ecologies—the study of the human condition (physical and mental health and behavior) and the environmental living context of African-descended people around the world.
• Arts, Culture, and Expressions—the study of the arts, cultural influences, and expressions of peoples in the African Diaspora through creative works and innovation via literature, painting, sculpture, music, dance, performance, and linguistics.
• History, Politics, and Societies—the study of the history and contemporary, sociopolitical experiences, outlooks, and engagements within the African Diaspora.
• Religion and Philosophies—the study of the diverse spiritual, analytical, and theological bases of thoughts, religious traditions, senses of meaning, and intellectual engagements for people in the African Diaspora.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technologies—the study of diverse technologies and science, and their impacts on the lives, culture, and futures of Africana peoples.

The successful candidate must have strong research skills and a research agenda that will lead to publication in academic journals and/or books, and a commitment to excellent teaching and service.  

Qualifications

PhD in Africana/Pan African/African American and African Studies or another related field are preferred. Terminal degree is required by time of appointment.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Experience or demonstrated ability to design and deliver face-to-face and/or hybrid format courses
• Experience teaching one or more courses as the instructor of record at the undergraduate or graduate level
• Experience in -or- the potential to engage in service and mentorship to advance the department of Africana Studies.
• The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

Application Instructions

Applications will receive fullest consideration if submitted by priority deadline of November 15, 2022. Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a preliminary virtual interview. Position will remain open until filled. Please submit the following materials to http://apply.interfolio.com. Only electronic applications will be considered and acceptable.  File formats are .pdf or docx.:

1. A letter of application;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. Three letters of reference;
4. A research prospectus that includes how their research explores Africana Studies and Global Health in one of the areas outlined above; and
5. A teaching statement.

 Questions about the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Derrick R. Brooms (dbrooms@utk.edu).

The position is a 9-month, tenure-track appointment, and salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. More information about the department can be found here: https://africana.utk.edu/.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society. To learn more about UTK see: https://provost.utk.edu/welcome-future-utk-faculty/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.