Visiting Assistant Professor of English

Description

The English Department at Bates College seeks applications from candidates for a two-year full-time visiting position at the level of Assistant Professor in Medieval Literature with a secondary field of expertise in Nineteenth-Century British Literature, to begin July 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will teach five courses per year. The first year will include classes on Chaucer, a medieval genre course, Introduction to Medieval Literature, and an advanced seminar in a medieval topic. The second year will include classes on a single nineteenth-century author, on the English novel, and on a Victorian-themed course (such as Victorian medievalism or globalism/empire). Other classes may include modern popular adaptations of either medieval or Victorian literature, and "Foundations of English Literature."

Responsibilities are limited in scope and focus on teaching and mentoring students during the term of the appointment. Advising and student supervision responsibilities will be limited to thesis supervision aligned with the primary field of expertise-Medieval Literature-in the first year of appointment and in the secondary area-Nineteenth-Century British Literature-during the second year. Visiting assistant professors are not assigned ongoing administrative or committee responsibilities, except if negotiated with the Dean of Faculty or Associate Deans of Faculty.

They are expected to attend faculty meetings and departmental meetings related to teaching, and to engage collegially in the academic life of the department.

Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine-a diverse and growing community roughly 45 minutes from Portland, the state's largest city, 2 ½ hours north of Boston, and 4 ½ hours south of Montreal. Bates values faculty scholarship, creative work, and pedagogical innovation as central to its academic mission. While visiting faculty appointments are primarily teaching-focused, the College recognizes that scholarly and creative activity may remain an important part of a faculty member's professional identity.

Institutional resources supporting scholarship and teaching are available in ways appropriate to the scope and duration of the appointment. Community-engaged learning and study abroad are broadly encouraged and supported, and pedagogical development and innovation are supported through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates' history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment.

Qualifications

Candidates will hold a Ph.D. by the position's start date and will demonstrate their ability to meet Bates's standards of excellence in terms of inclusive and evidence-based pedagogies, as informed by current practices and scholarship in the field.

Application Instructions

Applications to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample in the primary field, and sample syllabi for any two of the courses listed above. Candidates should integrate a discussion of their approaches to inclusive learning into their teaching statement; this may include examples of pedagogical strategies, prior experience, or professional preparation that inform their work with diverse learners.

Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.