The Department of Asian Studies at Vanderbilt University seeks a Mellon Assistant Professor in Modern Japanese history starting Fall 2027. This non-tenure-track position is for a three-year term with a 2-2 teaching load. We invite candidates who situate the history of modern Japan, 19th-21st centuries, within a regional and/or global framework (such as colonialism and empire, scientific, technological, or cultural exchange, and immigration and diaspora). We also seek candidates whose teaching can span introductory surveys of premodern and modern Japan as well as advanced thematic courses in areas ofspecialization and student interest. This position will also support the Arts & Science Core curriculum. Other responsibilities may include advising students, managing departmental and program extracurricular activities, contributing to programming, and other duties as assigned.
To be eligible, candidates must have completed the Ph.D. in a relevant field no longer than four years prior to the appointment date of August 16, 2027, and must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. before August 1, 2027, in Asian Studies, history, or another related field. Evidence of effective teaching is essential.
To be considered, submit a letter of application, CV, writing sample (an article or chapter), three confidential letters of recommendation, and teaching dossier (teaching statement, student evaluations, and two sample syllabi) by 15 December 2026. Please contact ben.tran@vanderbilt.edu with questions about the position.
Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
