Assistant Professor Faculty Position in Afro-Francophone Studies

Apply now Job no:497517
Position type:full-time
Location:Lewisburg, PA
Categories:Languages, Cultures & Linguistics

The French & Francophone Studies Program at Bucknell University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Afro-Francophone Studies with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, or the Maghreb. The candidate will be expected to show evidence of thoughtful intellectual engagement with broader conceptual fields such as environmental humanities; decoloniality; gender and queer theories; migration and/or transnational studies.

We seek a teacher-scholar with a Ph.D. degree in French and Francophone studies (or equivalent) by the start of the appointment (August 2024). Candidates in the final stages of their dissertation will be considered but must complete their degree within their first year of employment in order to continue employment at Bucknell. Candidates must demonstrate native or near-native fluency in French and English, excellence in undergraduate teaching of language and literature or cultural studies to a diverse student body, and an active and well-defined research agenda. We welcome candidates who demonstrate excellence in reflective, effective, and transformative multicultural and inclusive teaching practices in a liberal arts environment and who display a strong commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinarity in their classroom, in their pedagogy, and in their approach to French studies, and beyond. 

The successful candidate will teach five courses per year, including introductory to upper-level undergraduate language, literature, and culture courses in French, as well as courses in English for non-majors and minors, develop a strong body of scholarship in their field(s) of specialization, and participate in service activities at the program, department, college, or University level, or in the wider academic community. In that respect, the new hire will be expected to strengthen, enhance, and expand the competencies of our program and department and to engage in collaborations with faculty in various units on campus. An enthusiastic interest in leading our immersive faculty-led study-abroad program (in Tours, France) and developing courses for the Arts & Sciences College Core Curriculum will also be expected. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, and we invite candidates to explain how issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are brought into their teaching, scholarship, and/or service in their application materials.

The principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are core values of the French & Francophone Studies Program. Inside the classroom and beyond, on the Bucknell campus and in our abroad program in Tours, France, we strive to foster an environment in which our students develop an appreciation for and sensitivity to cultural differences and the socio-cultural logic informing them. These experiences promote a self-reflexive and compassionate approach to their future engagement in professional and communal life. As a faculty, we are committed to cultivating a spirit of collegiality and mutual respect and welcome fruitful and exciting new teaching and research collaborations. In addition to the many resources offered by the University, our teaching and research initiatives are exceptionally well supported by funding opportunities within the program, which would be available to our new colleague in support of high-impact teaching initiatives, as well as innovative research-related travel.

Applicants should submit a cover letter of interest (written in English), a CV, three confidential letters of recommendation submitted separately to the website, and a complete research/teaching dossier including the following: a statement on scholarly goals and research agenda, documented evidence of reflective and effective teaching of undergraduate courses (including a statement on teaching philosophy, representative syllabi, and teaching evaluations, as available), as well as a statement describing any experience, training, or engagement with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For additional information and to apply, please go to Bucknell’s career site (careers.bucknell.edu). Applications received by November 6, 2023, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin after November 6 and continue until filled. All enquiries on the specifics of the position should be addressed to Nathalie Dupont, Associate Professor and Director of French & Francophone Studies.

Bucknell University is a private, highly ranked, primarily undergraduate, national liberal arts institution that also offers strong professional programs in engineering, management, education, and music.

Bucknell University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The university believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education are encouraged.

Bucknell is committed to creating a climate that fosters inclusion, growth, and development for a diverse student body, and seeks candidates who are also committed to these goals.

Bucknell is committed to supporting the teacher-scholar model of faculty development. The teaching load is five courses per year. With a student-faculty ratio of about 9:1, small class sizes are a hallmark of the Bucknell educational experience. The university sponsors a range of activities to support the development of its faculty, including a Teaching-Learning Center and generous research support and leave policies.

Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The Lewisburg area offers a combination of outdoor recreation opportunities and small-town amenities. In addition to the cultural and athletic events offered at the University and in town, the region offers strong schools and medical facilities, and an affordable cost of living. Bucknell is about three hours from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Work Type:
This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track, exempt faculty position.

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role;
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- myriad other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card 

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here ! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Bucknell University is a private, highly ranked, primarily undergraduate, national liberal arts institution that also offers strong professional programs in engineering, management, education, and music.

Bucknell University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The university believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education are encouraged.

Bucknell is committed to creating a climate that fosters inclusion, growth, and development for a diverse student body, and seeks candidates who are also committed to these goals.

Bucknell is committed to supporting the teacher-scholar model of faculty development. With a student-faculty ratio of about 9:1, small class sizes are a hallmark of the Bucknell educational experience. The university sponsors a range of activities to support the development of its faculty, including a Teaching-Learning Center and generous research support and leave policies.

Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The Lewisburg area offers a combination of outdoor recreation opportunities and small-town amenities. In addition to the cultural and athletic events offered at the University and in town, the region offers strong schools and medical facilities, and an affordable cost of living. Bucknell is about three hours from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.