Job Description

The Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), invites applications for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor in Japan Studies. This is a one-year appointment, renewable contingent upon performance and funding, to begin Fall 2026.

This innovative position combines academic instruction with scholarly expertise and research-based service. The selected candidate will:

• Teach two courses per semester in Japan Studies (flexible teaching modality for Fall 2026)
• Lead as Program Manager for the newly established UT Japan Center by working with the Center Directors to support strategic initiatives; coordinating conferences, workshops, and other events; managing student/faculty programs (internships, scholarships, faculty travel to Japan); and exploring grants/funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Japan Studies or related fields by time of appointment (candidates with Ph.D. will be appointed as Teaching Assistant Professor; those with Master's will be appointed as Lecturer)
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarly research
• Significant formal training and teaching experience
• Native or near-native proficiency in both Japanese and English
• Experience in Japanese-language teaching preferred
• Background in engagement with industry, government agencies, and/or public outreach preferred

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/173864 Please submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing your interest in the position and research and teaching experience, evidence of past teaching ability/experience (such as syllabi or evaluations), and the names and email addresses of three references. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled

All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Noriko Horiguchi, Search Committee Chair, Department of World Languages and Cultures, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 ( njh@utk.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.