The Department of Comparative Literature at Tulane University invites applications for a tenure-line position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek a comparatist specializing in Asian Studies who works across languages, literatures, or media. Additional areas of interest include (but are not limited to) Global Asias, Transpacific or Indian Ocean Studies, gender and sexuality studies, science and technology studies, and the history of the book. While language instruction is not a component…
of this position, we expect that the successful candidate will work in one or more Asian languages as a research language and have advanced/near native conversational abilities in at least one language of the region(s). The Asian Studies program currently offers Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language instruction, as well as Vietnamese for heritage speakers. We are interested in how candidates might engage with or complement our language programs, both in Asian Studies and across the School of Liberal Arts. The start date for the position is July 1, 2027.
Comparative Literature is a newly established department committed to reimagining comparative literature beyond the traditional boundaries of the discipline. We welcome colleagues who are interested in helping to imagine the future of the department and the field at large, and contribute to the development of the newly approved major.
Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program comprised of research and teaching faculty jointly appointed in a range of departments, as well as language faculty based in the program. It offers undergraduate majors and minors that take a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Asian cultures and languages. It also enrolls more than 100 students in the Japanese and Chinese programs, with new offerings in Korean language and Vietnamese for heritage speakers.
The School of Liberal Arts has been investing heavily in the humanities and recently established the Tulane Global Humanities Center, which offers robust programming and a range of opportunities for faculty and students. Tulane is located in New Orleans, a dynamic port city, a historic site of multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural encounter, and a gateway for migration over several centuries.
Required Applicant Materials:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, and 2 sample course syllabi through our online application system. Writing samples of no more than twenty-five pages and letters of support will be requested from all candidates who advance in the search.
The application deadline is November 2, 2026. For more information, contact Oana Sabo, Search Committee Chair, at osabo@tulane.edu.
Responsibilities
This position will be expected to teach core courses in Comparative Literature and Asian Studies as well as a variety of literary and cultural topics to draw students to both programs. They should also be ready to contribute to the formation of a new and growing department. The teaching load for tenure-line faculty is two courses per semester.
Qualifications
Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Asian Studies with a humanities focus, or a related field. They should be committed to comparative and interdisciplinary studies, have an established record of scholarship, demonstrated excellence in teaching, and the ability to create new courses.
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