The Department of Dance at Swarthmore College invites applications for a three-year full-time visiting appointment at the level of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026. We welcome applications from specialists in the history of dance practices in Europe and the Americas prior to 1900, with a special interest in specialists of the Renaissance or 18th century. We seek candidates committed to excellence in both undergraduate teaching and scholarly research and who contribute to diverse and inclusive communities. Successful candidates will be well-situated to teach special topics courses in their areas of expertise as well as in our core Dance Studies courses, including the course "Performance in Early Modern Europe." They will also be prepared to teach studio practice courses in either ballet or contemporary modern dance, advise students in the dance major, and contribute to teaching and advising Dance students in the Honors Program.

Visiting faculty teach the same 2-2 course load as tenure-track faculty, are provided mentoring and professional development opportunities, and are eligible for funds to support research and conference travel. The salary is highly competitive.

The Department of Dance is close-knit, collaborative, and student-centered, and embraces a global focus to dance research and dance making.  Over 300 students at Swarthmore enroll in Dance each semester, and 5-8 students graduate each year in the Dance Major and Minor. Additional information about the Department of Dance can be found at http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance.

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at Swarthmore, see https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/welcome-to-provosts-office

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in dance studies or related discipline in hand by August 2026, a passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities, and the potential for innovative and impactful scholarship.

Applicants should include a cover letter describing their interest in Swarthmore College, a curriculum vitae, teaching and research statements, one or two syllabi, and three letters of recommendation. The teaching statement should describe the applicant?s interests in teaching at an undergraduate institution, previous teaching experience, and approach to teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. The research statement should describe the applicant?s program of research (including research interests, recent and current research, and anticipated areas for future work). Optional: Applicants may also include a video of studio teaching, a rehearsal, or dance performance that demonstrates their ability to teach in a studio setting.

At least one letter of recommendation should comment specifically on teaching. Applications will not be considered until letters of recommendation have been submitted.  Please address any questions you may have to departmental Academic Coordinator, Susan Grossi at sgrossi1@swarthmore.edu

Applications should be subitted at apply.interfolio.com/180529 . All applications received by February 13, 2026 will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to working effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body.

About Swarthmore College

Since its founding in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Offering a liberal arts and engineering curriculum, the College is private, yet open to all regardless of financial need. It is also decidedly global in outlook, drawing students from around the world and all 50 states. The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff - including different viewpoints, identities, and histories - contributes to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

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