About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Description
The W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 20th Century African American History, with a focus on Black Women. A subfield examining Black Feminisms or Gender and Sexuality would also be of interest.
This hire would align with existing faculty strengths in history/politics in the department and enhance existing strengths in 20th century African American History. The position would support growing interest in Black Women’s History, Black Feminisms, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Black Queer Studies. We are seeking a colleague who can aid the development of new courses (and strengthen existing courses) while directly supporting our undergraduate and graduate students. We are particularly interested in applicants with research and teaching focusing on Black Women in U.S. History, the Civil Rights Movement, and other areas of broad interest.
The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of a promising research agenda and readiness to teach independent graduate courses by the second year of appointment as well as contribute to a collaborative Africana/Black Studies department. Additionally, the candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to Africana/Black Studies as an intellectual field with its own unique disciplinary characteristics.
Minimum Requirements
A Ph.D. from a department of Afro-American/African American/Africology/African Diaspora/Black/Africana/Pan-African Studies, History, American Studies, Women’s Studies or other relevant fields, is required by the date of appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate scholarly promise as well as evidence of effective undergraduate teaching.
More information on the Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies can be found here: http://www.umass.edu/afroam/.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with a subfield examining Black Feminisms or Gender and Sexuality would also be of interest.
Salary Information
The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $116,818 for this position. Please note:
- The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
- The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
- The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Application Instructions
To apply, applicants must submit 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) one-page research statement; 4) teaching statement/portfolio; 5) a statement from the candidate indicating how their work aligns with the University's “For a Common Good” Strategic Plan. This statement should outline your advising values and demonstrate how they align with the University of Massachusetts Amherst “For the Common Good” Strategic Plan. To learn more about the Strategic Plan, please visit: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/; 6) writing sample, up to twenty-five pages; and 7) list of three current references with full contact information, including valid email addresses that will be willing to provide a letter of reference upon request.
The application priority deadline is December 1, 2025, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Additional Information
Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.
For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:
https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty
Position is dependent on available funding.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.