Occidental College is inviting applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the newly established Department of Black Studies. We are seeking an assistant professor whose scholarship centers on fields such as Black ecologies, Black community health, reproductive justice, or race and the environment. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Africana Studies, African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Black Studies, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Law, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Urban Planning, or a related discipline. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to cross-list courses with the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and/or to contribute to minors such as Public Health and Food Studies.  We are seeking a scholar who is grounded in interdisciplinary Black Studies methodologies and able to offer introductory and intermediate courses as well as advanced upper division seminars in Black Studies. We are especially interested in candidates who can develop community-based learning initiatives and deepen the connections between Occidental College’s Black Studies Department and the wider Los Angeles community. This search is part of Occidental’s new multi-year initiative to actively support the study of the life, culture, and history of the African diaspora and to support campus-wide efforts on behalf of equity and justice. The position will begin in August 2022.

Please submit a (1) cover letter detailing your interest in teaching Black Studies in a liberal arts college environment; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research statement; (4) a statement of teaching philosophy that includes a discussion of your demonstrated commitment to, past evidence of, and future plans for creating equitable opportunities for learning and mentoring especially for underrepresented students; (5) samples of scholarly work (6) evidence of teaching success; (7) and arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be submitted to Patricia Micciche at [email protected]. Semi-finalists will be asked to submit sample syllabi for “Introduction to Black Studies” and one “dream course.” Review of Applications will begin on October 15, 2021.

For a description of Occidental’s Black Studies Department and its course offerings, please visit our website at: https://www.oxy.edu/academics/areas-study/black-studies

Occidental is a small liberal arts college in the city of Los Angeles, and it is among the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the United States. The normal teaching schedule is the equivalent of five courses per year. Occidental College policies for early career leaves for untenured faculty and sabbaticals for tenured faculty are very generous. The mission of Occidental College is to provide a gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational experience of the highest quality--one that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent, and pluralistic world. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will further Occidental’s mission of excellence and equity in their teaching, scholarship, and service.

Occidental College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal Law. Occidental is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and the curriculum, and to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just environment within which students, staff, administrators and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals advancing the College’s strategic equity and justice goals and those from groups whose underrepresentation in the American professoriate has been severe and longstanding are particularly encouraged to apply.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is available that includes: excellent health, dental, life, and retirement benefits; tuition benefits for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and dependents; additional extras including use of gym facilities and the College Library. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit https://www.oxy.edu/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-information.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Occidental College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualifying disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources ([email protected]).