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Pre-Faculty Fellow (12-month)- English

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedPre-Faculty Fellow (12-month)- 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):

In conjunction with the Linguistics Program at Wayne State University, the Department of English at Wayne State University invites applications for a 12-month pre-faculty fellow position specializing in language(s) of the African diaspora beginning on August 18. 2026. We seek an innovative researcher trained in Sociolinguistics or another subfield of Linguistics that intersects with Black Studies, which may include, but is not limited to structure and/or use of African American English (AAE), creole languages of Africa, the Caribbean or Latin America, or African languages of the diaspora. Duties include a teaching load of 0:1 in the first year and 1:1 in the second and third years. This position is part of the Wayne State University Pathway to Faculty Program which includes structured mentoring and resources for the establishment of an independent research program. Internal and external professionals in the field will provide mentoring to help develop a sustainable research agenda. Following the successful completion of the three-year pre-faculty fellowship, the position will transition into a tenure-track assistant professorship in the department for a minimum of two years.

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. Additional personal and professional development guidance will also be provided by a brain trust or team of mentors. The faculty member will be expected to contribute to the Detroit Center for Black Studies in their teaching, research, and service.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Linguistics by the time of their appointment.

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

CV

Cover letter

Research Statement

Writing sample (25 pages maximum)

Contact information for three references

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.