The Department of English at Wesleyan University seeks a scholar-teacher of early modern literature for a tenure-track appointment beginning July 1, 2027. We are open to candidates with comparative approaches.
Wesleyan faculty have a strong commitment to both undergraduate teaching and scholarship. Candidates for this position should be actively engaged in scholarly research and writing and prepared to teach four literature courses per year (two per semester) to undergraduates, in person on Wesleyan’s campus. The successful candidate will offer broadly-conceived courses in the field, courses more narrowly focused on their areas of expertise, and the English Department’s gateway, “Ways of Reading.” Additional duties include advising and mentoring students as well as participating in faculty governance at the departmental and university level.
Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in English or a 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. within one year of hire.
To apply, please visit https://wesleyan.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/careers. A complete application includes the following materials, with each numbered item combined into a single document: (1) a cover letter and curriculum vitae; (2) a writing sample (25 pp. maximum), (3) a teaching statement and evidence of teaching excellence. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of three referees from whom we will obtain confidential letters of recommendation.
Applications submitted by Sep. 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Please contact Jeanne McNeff at [email protected] or 860-685-2360 regarding questions about the application process.
With a strong and diverse student body, Wesleyan is a highly selective liberal arts college that values both scholarship and teaching very highly and offers a generous sabbatical program and competitive salaries and benefits. Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Chief Diversity Officer.
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 English or a related field by time of appointment (or complete within one year if hired as Instructor)
- Active scholarly research and writing in early modern literature
- Ability to teach early modern literature and offer both broad and specialized courses
- Teach four undergraduate literature courses per year, including the gateway course "Ways of Reading"
- Teach in person on Wesleyan's campus
- Advising and mentoring undergraduate students
- Participation in departmental and university faculty governance
- Openness to comparative approaches (preferred)
- Application materials: cover letter and CV; writing sample (25 pages max); teaching statement and evidence of teaching excellence; contact emails for three referees
- 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.
