Assistant Professor of African American Literature

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Assistant Professor of African American Literature [R0144677].

ROLE of the POSITION

The Department of English at UNLV seeks a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of African American literature. Appointment will begin Fall semester 2025, and applicants must have PhD in English, American Studies, Comparative Literature, or a related field by time of appointment. 

Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate courses in area of specialization and other courses required for the major. We invite applications from candidates with expertise in any historical period or subfield, including literatures of the African diaspora. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research agenda and strong record of publication in their field.

PROFILE of the DEPARTMENT/COLLEGE

The Department of English embraces UNLV's commitment to diversity and equity, seeking faculty whose teaching, research, writing, and life experiences will help to sustain and extend these core values. UNLV is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the United States and by the U.S. Department of Education as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Our student demographics reflect a city and region that has been transformed by both new immigrant populations and established ethnic communities. 

In addition to the undergraduate major, the English Department offers PhD, MA, and MFA degrees, and houses multiple scholarly and creative journals, including MELUS (Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States). The College of Liberal Arts is also home to a robust, multi-disciplinary community of scholars in American Studies, and houses a program in African American and African Diaspora Studies. The Department of English is also closely affiliated with the Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI), an international literary center that amplifies writing and artistic expression to connect us to each other in the Las Vegas Valley, the Southwest, and beyond.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a PhD in English, American Studies, Comparative Literature, or a related field from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

Competitive total rewards package including:

Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision

Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs

No state income tax

Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools

Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS

Employee recognition and appreciation programs

Connect with colleagues with shared interests

Personal and professional development opportunities

UNLV athletics ticket discounts

Statewide employee purchase program discounts

RebelCard discounts on and off-campus

Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost

A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard

Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter and CV listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance. Additional materials, such as a writing sample, will be requested after the first round of review.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on November 7, 2024.  Interviews will be conducted virtually in December.

Materials should be addressed to Jessica Teague, Search Committee Chair, and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.

OTHER APPLICATION DETAILS

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:  

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.  
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.  
• Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or unlvjobs@unlv.edu.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, R0144677 in the search box. If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 30,000 students and more than 3,600 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 152,000 degrees, producing more than 130,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual listing of the nation's most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

For more information, visit us online at: http://www.unlv.edu

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) Room 553, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu, or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both. 

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Academic Faculty

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Submit a cover letter and CV listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance. Additional materials, such as a writing sample, will be requested after the first round of review.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.  

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified,  HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment. 

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.  

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.  

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.  

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided).

Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.

About Us

Welcome to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where employees don't just work — they serve. We are looking for diverse, talented, and passionate people to contribute to our mission of teaching, research, and service. Since its first classes were held on campus in 1957, UNLV has transformed itself from a small branch college into a thriving urban research institution. Along the way, the urban university has become an indispensable resource in one of the country's fastest-growing and most enterprising cities. UNLV is committed to joining the nation’s top tier of research institutions through a focused effort to attract top students and faculty, educate a diversifying population and workforce, and drive economic activity through research and community partnerships to create a more vibrant economy. Establishing a medical school and attaining top tier status will substantially enhance UNLV’s current $1.8 billion economic impact. Here you will find a vibrant campus, a supportive workplace, and tools to help you achieve professional and personal growth. We offer a variety of career opportunities and generous compensation packages.

NSHE is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). 

Persons with inquiries regarding discrimination/complaints may contact the Office of Equal Employment and Title IX at:

EEO/Title IX
Michelle Sposito

Director of Equal Employment/Title IX
Title IX Coordinator

Office: FDH 635

Mail Code: 1062

4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062

Phone: (702) 895-4055

Fax: (702) 895-0415

Email: michelle.sposito@unlv.edu or titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates.  Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106).  The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment.  Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to:  Michelle Sposito, Director of Equal Employment/Title IX, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-1062, Telephone: (702) 895-4055, or in person at Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH), Room 555.; Email: titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu; to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both.   

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found here.

If you need any accommodations to complete an application, please contact UNLV Human Resources at 702-895-3504. 

Information regarding security, personal safety, fire safety, and crime statistics can be found at UNLV's Annual Security Report.

NSHE Employees are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan in lieu of Social Security.  As a result, employment at NSHE may impact your Social Security benefits. Additional information is available at SSA 1945.