How to Apply

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through this website. Please send 1) an academic cover letter (max. 2 pages); 2) a CV (max. 5 pages); 3) a statement of teaching philosophy (max. 3 pages); 4) a statement of current and future research (max. 3 pages); 5) two letters of recommendation to [email protected]

This appointment is being offered in conjunction with a LEO Lecturer 1 position (Job Opening ID 250782), and applicants are required to apply to both positions in order to be considered.

Summary

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies in collaboration with the International Institute and the African Studies Center seeks applicants for an Afro-Brazilian Studies Research and Teaching Fellow. This position is for one academic year (August 26, 2024 - August 25, 2025) with possibility of renewal pending available funding and job performance.

This 100% effort appointment will feature both instructional and research components.

The selected candidate will have a 33.33% appointment as a postdoctoral research fellow. During this appointment, the selected candidate will advance their research and publication agenda and help build Afro-Brazilian Studies on campus.

The selected candidate will also hold a 66.67% instructional position as a LEO Lecturer I. The teaching commitment entails leading one advanced Portuguese language course and one introductory Afro-Brazilian Studies course (taught in Portuguese) during both the Fall 2024 and the Winter 2025 terms.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Responsibilities*

The Afro-Brazilian Studies Research and Teaching Fellow will have access to the university's extensive resources and is encouraged to actively participate in the intellectual life of the center. The selected candidate is expected to attend course meetings, hold office hours, and recruit students to study Portuguese.

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Michigan is a National Resource Center and home to the Brazil Initiative. It awards Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students each year to study less commonly taught languages of Latin America and the Caribbean, including Portuguese. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the activities of the center. For more information on recent efforts and initiatives, see our 2023-2024 report: https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/lacs-assets/lacs-documents/LACS-year-in-review-FINAL_ver3.pdf.

Required Qualifications*

Applicants must have earned a PhD in Portuguese or another related field by the time of appointment (8/26/24).

The selection criteria used for this search is based on how the applicant's education and experience meets the required minimum qualifications for the position. Excellence in research and teaching will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.

Desired Qualifications*

Preference will be given for candidates demonstrating the following:

• Native or near-native fluency in Portuguese.
• Strong teaching record.
• Demonstrated ability to teach both advanced Portuguese language and introductory courses within Afro-Brazilian Studies.
• Preference for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Afro-Brazilian literature and film; Brazilian critical and political theory; Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous cultures and social movements; interdisciplinary and comparative approaches to teaching and research that incorporate other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean and/or Lusophone Africa.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: [email protected]

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Deadline for applications is July 8, 2024. The appointment opportunity described in this posting is subject to final approval by the academic unit.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.