Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC) at Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Japanese.

For this teaching-centered faculty position, we seek to hire an individual with experience in teaching, research and  professional practice.  This position is located on the Logan campus, but will also provide instructional support to USU’s statewide students and campuses. The individual will report to the WLC department head.

The anticipated start date is August 1, 2024.

Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Teaching a full range of classes in Japanese (3/3 class load);
• Service for the department, college, and university;
• Mentoring students inside and outside regular teaching hours.
• Maintain an active profile as a researcher in Japanese studies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Japanese language, education, or related field (to be completed by July 1, 2024)
• Native or near-native Japanese language proficiency
• Good English communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to teach all levels of Japanese language, literature, and culture
• Demonstrated ability to conduct scholarly research and publish results of research
• Evidence of teaching and professional excellence in Japanese language teaching.
• Previous experience teaching undergraduate Japanese classes and the ability to develop new courses for students of Japanese.
• Abilty and willingness to pursue program development.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to foster ongoing bilateral exchange programs with  Japanese partner universities 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commitment and experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the North American higher education system.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. A current and complete CV.
2. A cover letter addressing how the applicant meets the qualifications and responsibilities of the position. The letter should describe relevant experience, training, and teaching philosophy as they relate to the requirements of this position.
3. A short description/overview of sample Japanese classes that the applicant has taught.
4. Examples of previous class syllabi, lower division language courses preferred
5. The names and contact information for three references who may be consulted or contacted for confidential letters of recommendation. Recommendation providers will only be contacted for candidates who move forward in the consideration process. 

Please upload .doc, .docx, or PDF files. If you are working on Google Docs or Mac files please be sure to save under .doc or PDF for file to upload correctly.

Note. Applications must be submitted online, but questions regarding the position can be addressed to the committee chair Ann Roemer (ann.roemer@usu.edu).

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The recently formed World Languages and Cultures Department explores our connections to the  peoples and communities around the world through language and culture. We are a unique and diverse department and believe an essential part of becoming an educated person is understanding oneself and how we connect with people around the world. We offer programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Linguistics, and Intensive English, as well as Arabic Studies, Asian Studies, and Latin American Studies. Our department also is home to the Master in Second Language Teaching program. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and creative activity, and increasing curricular and research coverage of areas that intersect with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The College’s faculty actively undertakes research projects that reach into every aspect of the modern world, creating understanding and effecting change in important ways.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023