Assistant Professor of Trans Studies - The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
About the Job
The Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas seeks an Assistant Professor of trans studies for Fall 2025. This position is a full-time, tenure-track, academic-year (9-month) appointment. The successful candidate must have research and teaching expertise in trans studies. Applications from all trans studies scholars are invited, however we have identified the following areas that would complement the work of our current faculty: critical race theory, disability studies, and decolonial analysis. A Ph.D. in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, or equivalent is highly preferred. A Ph.D. in a related field plus graduate work in WGSS or similar will also be considered.
The Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas, born out of student protests in 1972, is among the oldest in the country. It remains a center for thought and action on critical issues of gender and sexuality on campus with five undergraduate programs (two majors, two minors, and a certificate), a Master’s program, a graduate certificate, and is one of only twenty-six departments globally to offer a Ph.D. in WGSS. The department’s core faculty has more than doubled in number in the last decade. An interdisciplinary group of scholars, WGSS core faculty span the humanities and social sciences and focus on both the past and the contemporary world.
This permanent hire is made possible in part by a recently awarded three-year $1million Mellon grant designed to bolster our growing strength in trans studies. This same grant also allows for several non-residential fellows to be in meaningful dialogue and community at the University of Kansas in the next few years culminating in annual symposiums. Our department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have demonstrated a serious commitment to trans studies and trans scholars, boasting several faculty within the department and across the University, as well as dedicated courses, faculty seminars, and active grant participation. We are committed to building trans studies and are thrilled to be able to expand curricular offerings, graduate student support, community engagement, and public programming
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive educational environment for all students, faculty, and staff. KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
The Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas, born out of student protests in 1972, is among the oldest in the country. It remains a center for thought and action on critical issues of gender and sexuality on campus with five undergraduate programs (two majors, two minors, and a certificate), a Master’s program, a graduate certificate, and is one of only twenty-six departments globally to offer a Ph.D. in WGSS. The department’s core faculty has more than doubled in number in the last decade. An interdisciplinary group of scholars, WGSS core faculty span the humanities and social sciences and focus on both the past and the contemporary world.
This permanent hire is made possible in part by a recently awarded three-year $1million Mellon grant designed to bolster our growing strength in trans studies. This same grant also allows for several non-residential fellows to be in meaningful dialogue and community at the University of Kansas in the next few years culminating in annual symposiums. Our department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have demonstrated a serious commitment to trans studies and trans scholars, boasting several faculty within the department and across the University, as well as dedicated courses, faculty seminars, and active grant participation. We are committed to building trans studies and are thrilled to be able to expand curricular offerings, graduate student support, community engagement, and public programming
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive educational environment for all students, faculty, and staff. KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Source : The University of Kansas