Lecturer in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

The Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS) invites applications for one course, WGS 6b “Sexuality and Queer Studies,” with the rank of Lecturer in Fall 2024. In recent years, the identity categories lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) have become highly visible in mainstream media and politics: however, such visibility has not meant unequivocal progress or freedoms, particularly for those on the margins of categories like “queer,” “gay,” and “trans.” Indeed, LGBTQ folks of color, poor and working class (queer) folks, and disabled individuals are often the targets of violence, discrimination, and exclusion within and beyond mainstream queer, gay, and trans social movements. We seek a scholar who will introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of sexuality and queer studies, examining the historical and ongoing development of the field as well as key themes and debates in the field in order to think through these tensions. Questions that the course will address include: what is sexuality? What is queerness? Why should we study these topics in academic scholarship? How have gay, queer, and transgender communities transhistorically challenged mainstream or normative notions of gender and sexuality? What can challenging gender and sexual norms – in scholarship and in our everyday lives – yield for our understandings not only of gender and sexuality, but also of race, ethnicity, class, culture, and nation? 

We expect that the candidate will have a Ph.d. degree or be ABD and demonstrate excellence as a scholar and teacher.

Please send a cover letter addressed to Prof. ChaeRan Freeze outlining your research and teaching interests. You should also send a CV, the names and contact information of three references, and a short statement about your contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.

First consideration will be given to applications received by May 1, 2024. Please direct any questions to ChaeRan Freeze ([email protected]).

At Brandeis, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of academic excellence. Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating equitable access and opportunities for applicants to all employment positions. Because diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of Brandeis’ history and mission, we value and are seeking candidates that represent a variety of social identities, including those that have been underrepresented in higher education, who possess skills that spark innovation, and who, through their scholarly pursuits and creative endeavors, teaching, and/or service experiences, bring expertise in building, engaging, and sustaining a pluralistic, just, and inclusive campus community.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans.  Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations.  Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.

If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.