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Assistant/Associate Professor - English

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedAssistant/Associate Professor - Englishat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Department of English at Wayne State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in rhetorics of and/or about Africa and the African diaspora beginning on August 18. 2026. We seek innovative researchers trained in the intersection of Black Studies and rhetoric, which may include, but is not limited to, African American rhetorics, global Black rhetorics, African rhetoric, and Black cultural rhetorics. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated track record of excellence in research and teaching and be prepared to develop courses that expand the Department’s curricula. An interest in community engagement is desirable but not required. Teaching will also include mentorship of MA and PhD students.

This position is one of several searches underway in connection with the Black Studies Faculty Enhancement Initiative sponsored by the Mellon Foundation and Wayne State University. Components of the program include structured mentoring, resources for the establishment of an independent research program, and the support of a community committed to higher education. The faculty member will be expected to contribute to the Detroit Center for Black Studies in their teaching, research, and service.

Qualifications:

The candidate should have completed a PhD in Rhetoric and Writing Studies, English, or Black Studies by the time of appointment.

Applicants must submit the following materials to the online hiring system:

CV

Cover letter (please include description of research agenda)

Writing sample (25 pages maximum)

Contact information for three references

Teaching portfolio (20 pages maximum that includes a statement of teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, and if available, student or faculty evaluations of teaching)

Application review will begin on February 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries should be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Jaime Goodrich, at [email protected].

School/College/Division:

H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science

Primary department:

H0307 - English

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

+ Salary minimum: TBD

+ Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between WSU and the WSU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.