Wesleyan University’s History Department invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in the history of Japan, to begin July 1, 2027. Period and subfield of specialization are open, but the ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan is expected. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in hand by the time of appointment and will be fully housed in the History Department.
Teaching responsibilities (2-2 teaching load, on campus) will include survey courses of premodern and modern Japan, as well as surveys and first-year and advanced seminars in the successful applicant’s areas of specialization. Additional duties include advising and mentoring students, carrying on a program of research, and participating in faculty governance at the departmental and university level.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in history or a closely related field in hand by the time of appointment to be hired as an Assistant Professor; a successful candidate may be hired as an Instructor if the candidate does not have a Ph.D. in hand at the time of appointment, but will complete the Ph.D in history or a closely related field within one year of hire.
Application Instructions:
You will be asked to upload electronic versions of the items we require, which are: (1) a cover letter of application, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a chapter-length writing sample, and may include (4) a separate statement of current research, and (5) a teaching statement. In the cover letter, applicants should describe how they will embrace the college’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, as well as their experience working with individuals from historically marginalized or underserved groups. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of three referees from whom we may obtain confidential letters of recommendation (please double-check the accuracy of the email addresses of the referees you name to ensure that you have the most up-to-date email addresses for each one).
Applications completed by October 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Ying Jia Tan at [email protected] if you have questions about the application process.
Work Location: On CampusAll offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.
Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html
Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in history or a closely related field in hand by the time of appointment (or complete within one year if hired as Instructor)
- Ability to teach surveys of premodern and modern Japan
- Willingness to teach a 2-2 on-campus course load, including first-year and advanced seminars
- Demonstrated or articulated commitment to fostering an inclusive community and experience working with historically marginalized or underserved groups (addressed in cover letter)
- Active research program and evidence of scholarly productivity
- Experience or willingness to advise and mentor undergraduate students
- Willingness to participate in departmental and university faculty governance
- Provide contact information (email addresses) for three referees for confidential letters
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
What We Do
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts and sciences university located in Middletown, Connecticut, dedicated to providing a well-rounded education through research and community engagement.
