Assistant Professor Of English In African American Literature (Tenure Track)

Position Overview

Butler University invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in the English department, beginning August 2025. Teaching load is 3/3 and will include departmental service courses, upper-level English courses, and courses in the core curriculum.

We seek a candidate who specializes in African American literature, African American drama/Black performance studies, or Black diasporic literary studies. We seek a willing collaborator with colleagues across disciplines and in our interdisciplinary majors in Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies, International Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies and the African Studies minor.

Butler University seeks faculty who are committed to providing high-quality engagement with students, high levels of academic challenge and support, and meaningful experiences that prepare students for life and leadership in a diverse, multicultural world. We seek candidates whose previous work and life experiences prepare them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse students, faculty and staff. Ideal candidates will be expected to contribute to building an inclusive learning environment for an increasingly diverse student population and will have a record of supporting BIPOC, working class, and first-generation students.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in English or a related field completed by the time of appointment in August 2025.
• Evidence of feminist, queer friendly, race conscious, and decolonizing pedagogical practices.
• Evidence of a successful scholarly agenda, which can include public intellectual engagement and/or creative writing.
• Commitment to supporting Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized students.
• Commitment to mentoring students in community-based learning, undergraduate research, and preparation for professional experiences.

Applications

Review of applications will begin December 2, 2024, and will continue until the position has been filled. Please direct inquiries to english@butler.edu

Applicants must submit:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a cover letter explaining how the applicant's scholarship and teaching interests align with the position description;
• a list of references, including name, title, and contact information.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide additional materials as early as mid-December.

Required additional materials:

• a writing sample of article or chapter length;
• three confidential letters of recommendation;
• two sample syllabi.

About Butler

Founded by abolitionist Ovid Butler in 1855 on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university consisting of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Lacy School of Business, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Jordan College of the Arts, and College of Communication. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries. Ranked #1 in the Midwest region by U.S. New and World Report and recognized for "best undergraduate teaching" and "most innovative schools," Butler is located just five miles from downtown Indianapolis, a cultural center of both the state and the country (https://www.visitindy.com).

Butler University is an equal-opportunity employer founded by abolitionist Ovid Butler in 1855 on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.