The Department of History of Art and Architecture (HAA) and the Asian Studies Center (ASC) at the University of Pittsburgh invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow of Japanese Art, Architecture, or Visual Culture for academic years 2024 and 2025 (September 1, 2023–April 30, 2025). This position is open to applicants with expertise in the history of art, architecture, or visual culture of Japan (including its diaspora, colonies, occupied territories, and indigenous communities) from any time period. HAA is committed to centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its curricular and research initiatives. We seek a colleague whose scholarship, teaching, and mentorship will advance our DEIA and anti-racist mission. Applications are open to advanced ABDs (those who will have PhD in hand by April 2024) and to scholars who have received their PhDs within the last 6 years.
The postdoctoral fellow will teach one course each fall and spring semester at the undergraduate level, one of which will be the Arts of Japan. The other course will be an upper-division undergraduate seminar related to the fellow’s research expertise in Japan and may be open to graduate students. In addition to their teaching duties, the postdoctoral fellow will be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students beyond the classroom as appropriate to their educational needs. The fellow will receive a research stipend and mentoring from colleagues in HAA and ASC.
Please note that this is an on-site position that requires teaching in person.
Duties:
- Teach 1 (3-credit) course per fall and spring semester each year
- Meet with undergraduate and graduate students beyond the classroom as may be appropriate to their educational needs
Minimum Requirements:
- Advanced ABD in the history of art, architecture, or a closely related field with an emphasis on Japanese art, architecture, or visual culture (with PhD in hand by April 2024)
- Teaching experience in the history of art, architecture, or a closely related field
- Ability to offer an Arts of Japan course
- Commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and diversity
Preferred Requirements:
- Ph.D. in the history of art, architecture, or a closely related field with an emphasis on Japanese art, architecture, or visual culture by September 1, 2023
- Experience teaching a stand-alone, undergraduate-level course in the history of art, architecture, and/or visual culture
- Ability to lead an undergraduate seminar in the area of research expertise
Applications should include:
- Cover letter of 1–2 pages, addressed to Mrinalini Rajagopalan, Chair. Include a description of your teaching experience.
- Current CV. Include a list of courses taught.
- Teaching Portfolio (20 pages max.). Include sample syllabi for two undergraduate courses, one of which should be Arts of Japan and the other related to applicant’s research expertise. Also include evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as student evaluations.
- Diversity statement of 1–2 pages, in which you share how your past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility will advance the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
- Three confidential professional letters of recommendation addressed and sent to Mrinalini Rajagopalan (mrr55@pitt.edu) with a cc to Department Administrator Karoline Swiontek (karoline@pitt.edu)
Review of applications will begin on April 17, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Karoline Swiontek, Administrative Officer, HAA Department (karoline@pitt.edu).
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to building and fostering a culturally diverse environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community are required.
