Assistant Professor in the Literature and Cultures of the British/Global Long 18th Century - University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Department of English invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in the literature and cultures of the British/global long 18th century. We are especially interested in applicants whose research and teaching interests include one or more of the following: race and empire, Indigenous studies, environmental humanities, early Atlantic or Caribbean studies, genre studies, media and material cultures, gender and sexuality. The successful candidate would be teaching survey courses in the long 18th-century, from the Restoration to Romanticism, as well as advanced courses in their areas of interest.



The position entails teaching two courses per semester; one graduate seminar and three undergraduate courses are taught in a typical year, though graduate teaching every year is not guaranteed. The appointment will begin on July 1, 2025; the Ph.D. is expected by that date. Applicants should apply online at: apply.interfolio.com/153288 . Applicants should submit the following materials: a cover letter, a 1-2-page dissertation or book abstract, a curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page statement of teaching philosophy, a 20-25 page writing sample, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on October 21, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Zoom.



Penn English is housed within the School of Arts & Sciences, which is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Division, and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration are supported by the breadth and depth of academic pursuits at Penn. Campus resources that support our student learning, teaching, and job placement include but are not limited to: the Offices of the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Penn Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, and Career Services.



The department offers a robust undergraduate major with a range of concentrations, including Creative Writing and Cinema and Media Studies. English majors pursue careers across the full range of professions, from law and medicine to consulting and teaching. Our graduate students often go on to become postdocs and assistant professors, and to work in consulting, secondary school teaching, library and museum administration. Our faculty also participate in cross-disciplinary programs, such as Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Asian American Studies, and the Workshop in the History of Material Texts.



We seek candidates who share our strong commitment to research, teaching and mentoring, and to a scholarly community shaped by values of inclusive excellence. The English Department, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania are committed to creating a community of students, scholars, and staff that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We create working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we value dynamic interactions and thoughtful discussions, and strive for an environment where everyone is supported and valued. For information on the School of Arts and Sciences’ inclusion and anti-racism initiatives, please see: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/2020-inclusion-and-anti-racism-initiatives














The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action (http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/) and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).