Assistant Professor, Japanese, The Department of World Languages and Cultures and The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The Department of World Languages and Culturesand The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Japanese to begin August 2024. This position is the Karashima Tsukasa Endowed Professorship of Japanese Language and Culture. 

Specialization for this position is open: Candidates with expertise and research interests in Japanese language pedagogy, linguistics, Japanese literature or film and cultural studies are particularly encouraged to apply.  Candidates with PhDs in Japanese second language pedagogy, Japanese applied or social linguistics may also be considered. 

The successful candidate will show a dedication to teaching and promoting student and program development. Teaching duties will include undergraduate-level courses in their area of academic specialization, as well as courses in Japanese language; as such, a strong commitment to Japanese language education and prior experience teaching undergraduate-level courses in Japanese language are particularly desirable. 

The successful candidate will maintain an active research agenda and provide service to the department and college.  Service will include advising for study abroad. UM has a vibrant Japan Student Association and actively exchanges students with our study abroad programs at our partner universities in Japan, including Tohoku University, Waseda University, Sophia University, Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo University, Doshisha University, Kumamoto University, Prefectural University of Kumamoto and Nagasaki University. 

Building on the legacy of Mike Mansfield, the longest-serving U.S. Ambassador to Japan and former professor at UM, the Japanese program fulfills a unique role at UM and in the State of Montana, where it contributes to cultural exchange and educational interactions with Japanese government and academic partners. Specifically, the endowment supporting the Karashima Tsukasa Professorship reflects the long-standing ties between the State and Kumamoto Prefecture.  Applicants who show an understanding of and willingness to build upon these legacies are particularly welcome.  

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

 Position Details:

Tenure Track Faculty: Japanese.
Title: Assistant Professor.
Schedule: Full time academic year position beginning fall semester 2024.
Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness.

Qualifications:

• PHD. required by the time of appointment in Japanese or related field; however, ABD candidates may be considered.
• Native/near-native fluency in Japanese and English required.

 To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference - Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References - *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing - Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility - All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply:

Priority Application Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Screening of applicants will begin after the priority application date and continue until position is filled.

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button.  Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Cover letter addressing the qualifications, a brief statement of research and teaching interests, and the interest in this position
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial graduate transcripts – Official transcripts will be due upon hire.
• Summary of recent teaching evaluations
• Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

You may contact the chair of the search committee, Brian Dowdle, Ph.D., with questions on the position at:[email protected]

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Missoula, Montana, United States