Assistant Professor, American Studies

Department of American StudiesCollege of Humanities & Social SciencesAssistant ProfessorFall 2026The Department of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure‐track Assistant Professor position in American Studies with an appointment to begin August 2026. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is an equal opportunity employer and a minority-serving institution, with a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation. CSUF earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024, joining a distinguished group of colleges and universities recognized for their commitment to the success of Latine/x students. CSUF has a diverse student population of over 43,000 students, including international students from 73 nations. CSUF is firmly committed to student success by equipping students to achieve academic excellence, career success, and economic mobility. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences. We are seeking to recruit and retain faculty who can teach and mentor our students to achieve their academic and career goals while advancing the University’s strategic plan objectives. CSUF strives to retain all faculty by providing resources to build meaningful connections and community within and across disciplines. The campus community is designed to foster an inclusive environment that enables students, staff, administrators, and faculty to thrive. CSUF is committed to retaining all faculty and has established affinity groups you can join to support your success. The Department of American Studies has an exceptional record of supporting tenure-track faculty in successfully earning tenure and promotion. PositionThe Department of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with appointment to begin Fall 2026. We seek a specialist in the interdisciplinary study of the body (for example: medicine, health, disability, trans experiences). Scholarly focus could be on any time period. CSUF faculty are committed teachers/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, studios, and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of core American Studies courses, as well as courses in their area(s) of specialization at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This person will also be responsible for producing scholarship commensurate with the requirements for tenure. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to and participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities. Required Qualifications . in American Studies or a related field with an emphasis in the interdisciplinary study of the body or related subjects and subfields (ABDs may apply but must show evidence that the degree will be completed by the appointment date) demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching a strong record of scholarly accomplishments appropriate to the level of appointment experience in and commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues Preferred Qualifications ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups evidence of successful research and scholarly publications ability to teach American Studies theories and methods at the undergraduate and graduate level experience in teaching a diverse student population ApplicationA complete online application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply, please visit , choose full-time faculty, search for the position 551148, and provide the following required materials: cover letter in which you respond to the required qualifications curriculum vitae 1,500-word-maximum statement describing your research, teaching, and other relevant activities candidate statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (no more than 500 words): Inclusive excellence is a strategic framework that recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in achieving organizational success and high-quality learning and teaching. It's a way of thinking and acting that integrates these values into all aspects of an institution, from curriculum and pedagogy to recruitment and hiring. Essentially, it means that excellence is not just about achieving high standards, but also about ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive and contribute (Williams et al., 2005). With the Inclusive Excellence Statement, we aim to learn about the applicant’s perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting and engaging with a diverse student population. This statement should showcase the candidate's professional experience, intellectual commitments, and/or willingness to teach and create an academic environment supportive of all students, including but not limited to those of diverse ages, abilities, cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, languages, religions, and sexual orientations. serves a student body that reflects the rich cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic mosaic of Southern California. Please provide concrete examples of how you, as a faculty member, will support our students in one or more of the following areas, which fall under the areas of awareness and understanding, experience and commitment, and future plans. Your contributions (past, present, or future) to embedding perspectives that are reflective of the student population into your teaching and/or scholarship. Your experience in service activities that are reflective of a diverse student population. Your experience and commitment to mentoring and providing opportunities to a diverse student body inside and outside the classroom environment. Your experience integrating creative activities that are inclusive of the identities of our student body and communities. relevant writing sample of 15-50 pages graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient for initial review) list of three references with relevant contact information Semi-Finalists will be asked to submit three letters of recommendation. Please ensure that referents have their letters ready to submit in case you proceed to the semi-finalist stage. On the References page of the online application, enter information and email addresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. At the appropriate time in the search process, they will receive a request via email along with information on uploading the letter. You can verify that CSUF has received each letter by logging back into your applicant portal. Semi-finalists will be asked to provide two sample syllabi, one for a dream undergraduate course they would like to teach and a second for an undergraduate course on American Studies Theories and Methods. Please direct all questions about the position to Search Committee Chair Professor Susie Woo at ).  Summer research grants, moving expenses, start‐up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available. CSUF BenefitsCSUF faculty have the opportunity to regularly apply for CSUF and CSU grants that provide additional research funding and assigned time. American Studies faculty have successfully proposed and led study abroad and study away programs related to their research interests. Our department is highly collaborative and endeavors to support its faculty in pursuing professional goals and opportunities in and beyond our campus and local community.  A comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental plans; spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee‐waiver; eligibility for campus child‐care (fees apply); and a defined‐benefit retirement through the state system and optional tax-sheltering opportunities. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit . New employees hired by the CSU for the first time who first become CalPERS members on or after July 1, 2017 are subject to a 10-year vesting period for retiree health and dental benefits. Additional InformationMultiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool. CSU PoliciesThe person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be formally offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‐disclose. Notice of Non-Discrimination based on Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator: In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. It requires hiring employees to perform CSU-related work within the State of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus instruction, as assigned, and come to campus when needed. The CSU also prohibits hiring and retaining employees working permanently from a business location outside of the United States. California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions. For tenure-track faculty positions, California State University, Fullerton is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Individuals in the . who hold a valid lawful nonimmigrant status visa can have a petition filed on their behalf to change their status to H-1B without being subjected to the fee. For example, the fee does not apply to an H-1B petition filed by an individual presently in the . who is an F-1, J-1, or O-1 status holder.