Position Overview

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The Department of African & African-American Studies (AAAS), in collaboration with the Kansas African Studies Center (KASC) at the University of Kansas (KU), seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor with specialty in Islamic Studies in Africa to build upon our: 1) long-standing research expertise at the intersection of Islamic Studies and African Studies,  2) commitment toward quality undergraduate and graduate teaching and training in African Studies, including the Arabic and Islamic Studies concentration of the AAAS major, and 3) support for sustainable connections with African and US Great Plains communities. The successful candidate will conduct research and train students in the study of Islamic culture and societies from the African standpoint. The search committee actively encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education.

The candidate’s home department will be African & African-American Studies, but close collaboration with the Kansas African Studies Center and participation in that Center’s activities are expected. KASC is a Title VI National Resource Center for African Studies with over 30 core faculty members and 70 affiliated faculty and staff across the Lawrence campus. As with all faculty members of the department, the successful candidate will become a member of KASC.  The candidate will be expected to be an active participant in the intellectual and pedagogical life of the department and to provide service to the department, KASC, the University, and the profession. The potential start date of this position is August 18, 2024.

The University of Kansas is a Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive university with a $ 1.4 billion endowment and a faculty of 2,600. Current enrollment is 28,500 (19,000 undergraduate), with students drawn from 110 nations and all 50 states; 20.6% of KU students are members of minority groups. The 1 ,000-acre main campus is in Lawrence, a community of 95,000 in hilly northeast Kansas that lies about 35 miles west of Kansas City. Lawrence has a lively downtown and a thriving arts and music scene, and its local government has enacted ordinances supporting equality for all members of its population. Lawrence also offers numerous sports and recreational opportunities, local shops, and a wide range of good restaurants.

The University of Kansas values candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically under-represented minorities.  Diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan.  Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty, and community.  The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description

Research (40%):
The successful candidate will conduct research related to Islamic Studies in Africa and other areas of expertise that complement current strengths in the department. All faculty members are expected to develop and maintain an active and productive research program beyond the level of the Ph.D. dissertation.

Teaching (40%):
The successful candidate is expected to: 1) teach 4 courses to undergraduate and graduate students per academic year in the African & African-American Studies department; courses may be cross-listed or cross-referenced with other departments; 2) develop curricular programs (e.g. courses) related to Islamic Studies in Africa and related fields; and 3) advise undergraduate and graduate students.

Service (20%):
All faculty members are expected to participate in appropriate professional and departmental activities, such as attending program meetings, carrying out program committee assignments, attending national meetings or conferences, and refereeing or reviewing manuscripts for research journals and grant proposals. Service to the College and University is also expected, and to the greater profession at large.

Faculty Code:
All faculty members are expected to comply fully with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, currently viewable at https://policy.kuk.edu/FacultyCodeKULawrence/Faculty-code-of-rights  

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in African Studies or a related humanities field, or related discipline by the start date of the appointment.

• Demonstrated experience to develop and teach courses effectively in African Studies and Islamic Studies in Africa.

• Demonstrated ability to engage in scholarship, and/or the creative arts related to African Studies and Islamic Studies in Africa.

• Demonstrated willingness to engage in collegial and professional service.

• Demonstrated knowledge of an African language taught in AAAS and associated with KASC.