CfA: Assistant Professor: Telugu Literature, Cultural Studies, or Film and Media Studies

The Department of Asian Languages and Literature, University of Washington, Seattle, invites applications for the new Hanuma and Anuradha Kodavalla Endowed Chair in Telugu. This is an Assistant Professor position with a teaching and research emphasis in Telugu literature, cultural studies, or film and media studies, beginning Autumn 2025.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a record of high-quality publications, to provide high-quality teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to support the department’s dedication to the goal of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.The holder of the Endowed Chair will have the opportunity to build one of just a handful of programs in Telugu Studies in North America.

The University of Washington has a long history of South Asian studies and an excellent library collection for South Asian languages. In addition, Seattle and Washington state are home to large and growing South Asian immigrant and heritage communities. The successful applicant will join a vibrant campus community of students and scholars of South Asian studies. The successful applicant will build connections within the department and across campus, and attract students to our vital and growing South Asian program and community. The applicant will work collaboratively with the South Asian program and relevant groups in the department, university, and community.

This is a tenure-track, full-time appointment (9-month service period), with a 4- or 5-course teaching load. University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research, and service.

Washington State Law requires that this ad list a binding salary range. The base salary range for this position will be $9,000 – $11,200  per month on a 9-month basis ($81,000 – $100,800 annually), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Qualifications

Applicants are expected to have a high level of proficiency in Telugu, and to engage with Telugu-language primary and secondary materials in their research. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent by the start of the appointment, with a specialization in Telugu literature, cultural studies, or film and media studies, in one of the following fields: Art History, Area Studies, Cinema/Media Studies, Communications, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, History, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Sociocultural Anthropology, or Visual Studies, or another relevant field.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit:

• a cover letter that addresses research, teaching, evidence of collaboration, and leadership experience
• curriculum vitae, including names and contact information for 3 recommenders
• an article- or chapter-length writing sample
• One- to two-page statement of research interests
• One-page statement of teaching philosophy
• One sample syllabus
• One- to two-page page diversity statement

The diversity (DEI) statement is an opportunity for applicants to highlight their leadership and other prior experiences with diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational settings, as well as to describe specific ways applicants would help advance the department’s commitments to DEI and anti-racism.

If you have questions about the position, the status of the opening, or disability accommodations, please contact Professor Ted Mack at tmack[at]uw.edu. Priority will be given to applications received by the deadline of November 15. Applications must be submitted electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/155050.