Assistant Professor, Japanese; Modern or Contemporary; TE

Overview

Assistant Professor, Japanese (Modern or Contemporary) (TE)

Posting Number req
22605

Department:
East Asian Studies

Location:

Main Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of East Asian Studies in the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona invites applications for an in-person tenure eligible position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Modern or Contemporary Japanese Studies. We seek a dynamic, interdisciplinary scholar whose innovative approaches to research and teaching complement and broaden existing departmental strengths in the anthropology, history, linguistics, literature, and religion of East Asia.

The period of specialization is flexible, but preference will be given to those focusing on cultural studies of modern or contemporary Japan (from the 20th century to the present) or research that spans the conventional modern/contemporary boundary.

We especially welcome scholars whose research focuses on areas such as literature, translation studies, film and performing arts, visual culture, diasporic communities within and/or outside of Japan, and digital humanities, as well as global or transregional perspectives. Ph.D. in hand is required by the time of the appointment in August 2026.

Review of applications begins on November 11, 2025.

Alumni Jacquelynn and Bennett Dorrance have made a gift commitment of $5.4 million to endow the deanship of the University of Arizona College of Humanities to bring the humanities to the forefront of the University of Arizona's life and mission through a continuous and fearless spirit of open inquiry: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

The successful candidate will maintain an active research and publishing agenda, demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring, and contribute to departmental, college, and university initiatives for sustained growth and success. The candidate will be qualified to teach graduate and undergraduate courses at all levels, in all modalities (in-person, hybrid, online). Teaching responsibilities include two courses per semester, including upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of specialization, as well as lower-division courses that contribute to the department’s General Education offerings in Japanese and East Asian Studies.

Candidates will also be expected to oversee undergraduate and graduate research projects and contribute actively to undergraduate and graduate recruitment and advising. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with the Center for East Asian Studies (a Title VI National Resource Center), Center for Digital Humanities, and related initiatives across campus. The department seeks candidates who are highly collaborative, exploratory, and whose scholarly potential will contribute to the ongoing excellence of our academic community.

The new hire will also have the ability to work effectively with the Department Head, faculty, staff, and students.

• Teach four 3-credit courses per academic year, including a combination of the teaching areas listed above, in consultation with the Department Head and based on departmental need.
• Maintain an active research agenda and record of publication commensurate with a Research I university.
• Actively recruit and assist in recruiting East Asian Studies majors and graduate students.
• Participate in Departmental and College-wide activities such as East Asian Studies Festival, Meet Your Major Fair, Study Abroad Fair, Language Fair, Convocation, Welcome Back receptions, Homecoming, study abroad programs, Commencement, and the Tucson Humanities Festival.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service priorities.

• Robust research skills.
• Demonstrated student-centered pedagogical knowledge; ability to serve the educational needs of students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses related to modern or contemporary Japanese and/or East Asian societies.
• Demonstrated interest and potential in recruiting undergraduate students in the Japanese culture program, East Asian Studies majors, and graduate students.

• PhD (in hand at time of appointment) focusing on a field relevant to the criteria above and in an East Asian context.
• Proficiency in English and Japanese.
• Commitment to best practices in teaching and pedagogical…