Assistant Professor of Africana Studies

The Department of Africana Studies at Smith College invites applications for a tenure-track position in Black Women's Studies/Gender Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin July 1, 2026. Successful candidates should be prepared to engage actively with diverse students across the liberal arts. Teaching responsibilities will include a broad and shared responsibility for a Black Feminist and/or Queer Studies curriculum and gateway courses such as Intro to Black Culture, History of African-American People to 1960 and Methods of Inquiry in Africana Studies. Other courses may be taught depending upon the candidates' fields of specialization. Candidates should have a strong foundation in African Diaspora Studies, and a Ph.D. in Africana, African-American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, or a relevant field, is expected by the time of appointment. Candidates with a foundation and research interests in religion and spirituality, pre-20th century history or literature, race in science, technology and medicine are especially encouraged to apply.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women's college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. Smith College offers opportunities to foster faculty success at every career stage, such as those listed here. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Details about the Department of Africana Studies may be found at https://www.smith.edu/academics/africana-studies.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Applications should be submitted at https://apply.interfolio.com/171572 with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, research statement, the contact information for three confidential referees and an equity and inclusion statement. Semifinalists and/or finalists may be asked for additional materials. Review of applications will begin on 28th September 2025. All enquiries about the position should be addressed to the search committee chair Professor Aaron Kamugisha at akamugisha@smith.edu.