Description
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO – ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF JAPANESE
The Department of Languages, Cultures & Literatures at the University of New Mexico invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Japanese to begin in August 10, 2026. This is a full-time, tenure-track position in Japanese language, culture, and literature. Applicants must have a PhD in Japanese Studies or a related field by the date of application. All application materials must be received by November 15, 2025.
The teaching load includes both undergraduate courses as well as courses in Japanese language at the intermediate and advanced levels, along with literature and culture courses in English in support of the Japanese track of the East Asian Studies major at the University of New Mexico. We seek scholars who specialize in Japanese literary studies, cultural studies, visual culture, and/or media studies and demonstrate skill and interest in Japanese language teaching. Successful candidates will demonstrate potential for excellence in scholarly publication and undergraduate teaching, ability to contribute to UNM’s interdisciplinary programs, commitment to advising and mentoring our varied student population, and willingness to contribute to departmental and university service.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in Japanese Literary or Cultural Studies, or a closely related field such as Asian Studies, Media Studies, and/or Comparative Literature, with a research specialization in Japanese Studies, in hand by the date of application.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Native or near-native command of both Japanese and English
2. Demonstrated strengths in teaching Japanese using communicative methods
3. Strengths in teaching Japanese literary, cultural, or media studies at the undergraduate level
4. Demonstrated potential for scholarship in an area of Japanese literary, cultural, and/or media studies, with a well-defined research and publication trajectory
5. Ability to mentor students at the undergraduate level
6. Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary programs in the department and at the university
7. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities.
To apply, please access the University of New Mexico’s online application system at https://www.unm.edu/jobs and apply for posting requisition # 34185. Only applications submitted through this website will be considered. Applicants should pay extra attention to the “Special Instructions to Applicants,” which detail all the required elements that must accompany the application. A complete application consists of a 2–3-page cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications; a current curriculum vitae (please include email address and telephone number); a one-page teaching statement; a one-page research statement; and the names and contact information of three referees. Semi-finalists will be contacted for additional materials, including sample syllabi for upper-level courses in Japanese literary, cultural, and/or media studies, and a 20–25-page scholarly writing sample; semi-finalists will also be asked to arrange to have three letters of reference sent at a later date. Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.
All required application materials must be received by November 15, 2025. Only complete applications will be considered. The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Professor Raji Vallury (rvallury@unm.edu). Inquiries about the online application process can be directed to the Search Coordinator, Mr. Diego Gallegos (dgalle03@unm.edu). The University of New Mexico is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Located in the heart of Albuquerque, a high desert city on the Rio Grande that offers an active, outdoor lifestyle, and a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico. Titled as a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution, and a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, UNM sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – and their connection to this land remains significant.
UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/. For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see https://unmjobs.unm.edu/.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in Japanese Literary or Cultural Studies, or a closely related field such as Asian Studies, Media Studies, and/or Comparative Literature, with a research specialization in Japanese Studies, in hand by the date of application.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Native or near-native command of both Japanese and English
2. Demonstrated strengths in teaching Japanese using communicative methods
3. Strengths in teaching Japanese literary, cultural, or media studies at the undergraduate level
4. Demonstrated potential for scholarship in an area of Japanese literary, cultural, and/or media studies, with a well-defined research and publication trajectory
5. Ability to mentor students at the undergraduate level
6. Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary programs in the department and at the university
7. A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities.