Stanford University Opens Applications for Assistant Professor in African American History Position for 2026 @Unknown

Tenure-Track Faculty Opportunity Announced at Stanford University

Stanford University has announced applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in African American History within its Department of African and African American Studies (DAAAS).

The faculty opportunity is open to scholars whose research advances the understanding of African American lives, histories, and experiences across any historical period, from the colonial era to the present.

The position forms part of Stanford University’s continued commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Successful candidates will join one of the world’s leading academic institutions and contribute to undergraduate teaching, groundbreaking research, and collaborative academic initiatives.

Applications for the position are open until 30 September 2026.

Position Overview

The Department of African and African American Studies is seeking an outstanding scholar for a University Tenure Line appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The successful applicant will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research programme while contributing to Stanford’s undergraduate curriculum in African American Studies. The position welcomes scholars using a broad range of historical methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to explore African American history.

Research may focus on any historical era, including the colonial period, the nineteenth century, the twentieth century, or contemporary history.

Research Areas of Interest

Stanford University encourages applications from scholars working in diverse areas of African American history.

Areas of specialization may include:

• Inter-imperial histories of slavery, emancipation, and freedom.
• The Black Atlantic and Caribbean encounters.
• Race, health, and medicine.
• African American political thought.
• Civil Rights Movement history.
• Black Power movements.
• Black internationalism.
• African American cultural history.
• Other innovative historical approaches that expand knowledge of African American experiences.

The university welcomes applicants employing interdisciplinary research methods that contribute new perspectives to the field.

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Teaching Responsibilities

In addition to maintaining an active research agenda, the successful candidate will play an important role in undergraduate education.

Key teaching responsibilities include:

• Teaching the Foundations of African American Studies undergraduate course.
• Delivering instruction covering broad historical periods and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Supervising undergraduate student research.
• Contributing to the Department’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
• Participating in academic service and departmental activities.

Although the Department of African and African American Studies does not currently offer its own graduate programme, the successful faculty member may have opportunities to supervise graduate students through Stanford University’s Department of History.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must possess strong academic credentials and demonstrate excellence in both teaching and research.

Candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Ph.D. in African American History or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
• Candidates currently completing a Ph.D. or equivalent international doctoral programme are eligible to apply, provided the degree requirements are completed before the appointment begins.
• Applicants with equivalent professional distinction in the field may also be considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and student mentorship.
• Evidence of the potential to establish and sustain a world-class research programme.

The university is seeking scholars capable of making significant contributions to both academic research and student learning.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants must submit a complete application before the closing date.

Required documents include:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Three-page teaching and research statement.
• Three letters of reference.
• Writing sample consisting of:
  • A dissertation chapter;
  • Book manuscript chapter; or
  • Published article or book chapter (20–30 pages maximum).

Stanford has indicated that additional supporting documentation may be requested from shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

Salary and Benefits

Stanford University has published an estimated annual salary range for the position.

The expected base salary is:

• US$115,133 – US$135,388 per year

Final compensation will depend on several factors, including:

• Academic qualifications.
• Professional experience.
• Budget availability.
• Internal salary equity considerations.

Faculty members at Stanford also benefit from access to one of the world’s leading research environments, extensive academic resources, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant interdisciplinary community.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Assistant Professor position will remain open until:

• Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit all required documents before the closing date to ensure full consideration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stanford University states that it is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

Applications are welcomed from qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

The university also encourages applications from scholars who will contribute new perspectives and strengthen Stanford’s teaching, research, and academic community.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Job Location

The position is based at:

• Stanford University
• Stanford, California, United States

The appointment is within the School of Humanities & Sciences under the University Tenure Line.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Assistant Professor position presents an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to join one of the world’s highest-ranked universities while contributing to the advancement of African American historical scholarship.

The role offers the chance to conduct impactful research, teach talented undergraduate students, collaborate with leading historians and interdisciplinary scholars, and build an internationally recognized academic career at Stanford University. With competitive compensation, world-class research support, and a commitment to academic excellence, the position represents a significant career opportunity for historians specializing in African American studies.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before 30 September 2026 to be considered for this prestigious tenure-track faculty appointment.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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