Career Center

The Department of History at Swarthmore College (https://www.swarthmore.edu/history) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment at the rank of assistant professor in African American History (from the sixteenth century onward) to begin in the fall semester of 2023.  Applicants should hold a PhD by the time of appointment. All thematic emphases are welcome, but we have a preference for candidates well versed in critical race theory, gender and sexuality studies, environmental studies, the Black African diaspora, and/or transnationalism/globalism. Candidates are expected to offer a range of courses including survey courses, first-year seminars, upper-division courses on African American History as well as courses on US History and methodology.  The course load is four courses a year.

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 is strongly committed to employment practices and faculty mentoring that advances excellence through diversity in its educational program. We actively seek and welcome applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see http://www.swarthmore.edu/faculty-diversity-excellence/information-candidates-new-faculty.

Applicants should hold a PhD in History by the time of appointment. We seek applicants with a passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities. The strongest candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to creative teaching and an innovative research program that speaks to and motivates undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Interfolio apply.interfolio.com/107655:

• Letter of application that discusses teaching experience, style, and objectives, and describes the applicant's interest in teaching at a liberal arts college. In addition, the applicant should outline his/her/their research interests, now and in the future, and indicate why he/she/they believe they are prepared to teach students of diverse backgrounds.

• CV

• Three letters of recommendation. 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 Professor Bruce Dorsey, Search Chair (bdorsey1@swarthmore.edu).  All applications received by October 1, 2022 will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Effective July 21, 2021, Swarthmore is requiring all new employees to show proof of being fully vaccinated by their start date, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. For more information about Swarthmore's vaccine requirements, please visit the Swarthmore COVID-19 Response website.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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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