Why Florida Atlantic University?
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has been recognized nationally for its commitment to research excellence, student success, and community impact. As a leading Hispanic‑serving institution, FAU serves a richly diverse student body and is situated in the vibrant, sun‑kissed city of Boca Raton, Florida—a place where world‑class education meets a high quality of life. The university’s College of Arts and Letters fosters an environment where scholars can explore bold ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and shape the future of literary studies on a global scale.
Position Overview
The Department of English at FAU invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor of World Anglophone Literature beginning in August 2024. This full‑time, faculty‑rank position is designed for scholars who blend rigorous research with innovative teaching, and who are eager to contribute to FAU’s mission of inclusive, interdisciplinary education. The successful candidate will join a collegial faculty community, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor graduate students, and engage in service that advances both the department and the university’s broader goals.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chair of the English Department, the new faculty member will be expected to excel in the following areas:
- Teaching Excellence: Deliver a balanced 3‑2 course load (three undergraduate, two graduate courses per academic year), designing curricula that reflect contemporary scholarship in World Anglophone literature, postcolonial studies, diaspora, and transnational narratives.
- Graduate Mentorship: Advise Master’s and Ph.D. students in English, Creative Writing, and the interdisciplinary Comparative Studies Ph.D. program; supervise theses, dissertations, and creative projects.
- Scholarly Research: Maintain an active research agenda leading to peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and potential book projects that enhance the university’s research profile.
- Service & Governance: Participate in departmental, college, and university committees; represent FAU on regional, state, or national academic boards as appropriate.
- Curricular Innovation: Contribute to existing interdisciplinary certificate programs (e.g., Asian Studies, Ethnic Studies, Classical Studies, Peace, Justice and Human Rights, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies) and help develop new courses that address emerging topics in global Anglophone literature.
- Community Engagement: Foster partnerships with local schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations to bring literary scholarship into public discourse and service learning initiatives.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria by the start date:
- A Ph.D. in English, Comparative Literature, or a closely related field awarded by an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated potential for high‑quality scholarly contributions, evidenced by conference presentations, manuscript submissions, or published work.
- Commitment to inclusive teaching practices that support diverse student populations.
- Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to obtain tenure‑track faculty status.
Preferred Qualifications
FAU values candidates who bring additional strengths that align with its strategic priorities:
- Significant teaching experience at the college or university level, particularly in World Anglophone, postcolonial, or comparative literature courses.
- A record of peer‑reviewed publications, edited volumes, or forthcoming monographs in reputable venues.
- Experience securing external research funding (grants, fellowships, or collaborative projects).
- Engagement with interdisciplinary programs, certificate development, or community‑based scholarship.
- Fluency in languages beyond English that support comparative literary research (e.g., French, Spanish, Portuguese, African or Asian languages).
Core Skills & Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following professional attributes:
- Pedagogical Innovation: Ability to integrate digital humanities tools, multimodal assignments, and experiential learning into the classroom.
- Mentorship: Proven capacity to guide undergraduate and graduate students through academic, research, and career pathways.
- Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to work across departmental and college boundaries with faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills for teaching, scholarly dissemination, and public outreach.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Demonstrated actions or research that advance equity and inclusion within higher education.
Teaching Load, Course Development, and Student Mentorship
FAU’s standard teaching model for tenure‑track faculty in the English Department is a 3‑2 load, which typically includes:
- Two to three undergraduate lecture or seminar courses per semester, each with a 3‑hour weekly meeting schedule.
- One to two graduate courses (e.g., advanced literary theory, research methods, or specialized topical seminars) per academic year.
- Supervision of graduate theses, dissertations, and creative writing projects, including regular advisory meetings and workshop leadership.
- Opportunities to develop new courses that reflect current trends in World Anglophone literary studies, such as digital storytelling, climate fiction, or transnational migration narratives.
Research Expectations and Support
FAU encourages faculty to pursue ambitious research agendas and offers robust support:
- Seed funding for pilot projects and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Access to the university’s libraries, archives, and digital resources, including the renowned FAU Interdisciplinary Research Center.
- Reduced teaching load options for faculty who secure major external grants.
- Annual faculty research symposiums, internal grant competitions, and mentorship from senior scholars.
Service, Leadership, and Community Involvement
Faculty members contribute to the vitality of the university through service:
- Participation in departmental meetings, curriculum committees, and faculty governance bodies.
- Representation on college‑wide committees (e.g., Faculty Senate, Diversity Council).
- Engagement with FAU’s community outreach programs, such as K‑12 literary workshops, public lecture series, and partnerships with local cultural institutions.
- Potential leadership roles in interdisciplinary certificate programs and graduate interdisciplinary initiatives.
Professional Development & Career Growth
FAU is committed to the long‑term success of its faculty. The university provides:
- Mentorship programs pairing new faculty with senior colleagues for guidance on teaching, research, and service.
- Regular workshops on pedagogy, grant writing, and scholarly publishing.
- Opportunities to apply for internal awards, teaching excellence recognitions, and research seed grants.
- Clear tenure and promotion pathways aligned with national standards for humanities scholars.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
While the exact salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, successful candidates can anticipate a competitive package that includes:
- Base salary reflective of national benchmarks for Assistant Professors in the humanities.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement savings options, including a matching 401(k) program.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and professional development days.
- Tuition remission benefits for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Faculty research funds, travel allowances for conferences, and relocation assistance where applicable.
- Access to campus amenities: state‑of‑the‑art fitness centers, recreational facilities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Application Procedure
All interested candidates must submit an electronic application through FAU’s official career portal (https://fau.edu/jobs). Required documents include:
- A tailored cover letter outlining fit with the position and FAU’s mission.
- A current curriculum vitae detailing teaching, research, and service records.
- A statement of teaching philosophy emphasizing inclusive pedagogy and student engagement.
- A research statement describing past accomplishments and future plans.
- Contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation will be requested later).
- Official transcripts (or certified copies) submitted directly to the Provost’s credential office prior to the start date.
Applicants may attach up to five documents; additional materials should be combined into a single PDF to stay within the limit.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
FAU proudly identifies as a Hispanic‑serving institution and one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the Florida State University system. The university’s core values include:
- Active recruitment and retention of faculty and staff from underrepresented groups.
- Creating a welcoming campus climate where all members feel respected and valued.
- Embedding DEI principles into curricula, research agendas, and community outreach.
- Providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process (contact 561‑297‑3057 for assistance).
Living in Boca Raton – A Snapshot of the Community
Boca Raton offers a blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and a family‑friendly atmosphere:
- Sunny, subtropical climate perfect for year‑round outdoor activities.
- Highly rated public schools and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Proximity to world‑class beaches, golf courses, and nature preserves.
- A thriving arts scene featuring galleries, theaters, and live music venues.
- Convenient access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach for travel and leisure.
Closing Invitation
If you are a passionate scholar of World Anglophone literature eager to shape the next generation of thinkers, researchers, and writers, we invite you to join FAU’s dynamic faculty community. This is a unique chance to develop your academic career within an institution that values scholarly excellence, inclusive teaching, and meaningful community impact.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application today and take the first step toward an enriching, impactful, and rewarding career at Florida Atlantic University. We look forward to reviewing your materials and welcoming a new colleague who will help propel our department to even greater heights.
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