Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies; Black Studies

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies (Black Studies)

Western Washington University, with over 16,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students, and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades Mountain range.

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Ethnic Studies support Western's mission. The Ethnic Studies Department at Western Washington University centers the histories, epistemologies, and lived experiences of minoritized peoples and Indigenous Nations.

The Department of Ethnic Studies at Western Washington University is inviting applications for an Assistant Professor in Black Studies, beginning Fall 2026. We seek a community-engaged scholar whose teaching, research, and scholarship in Black Studies engage one or more of the following:
Black transnational and diasporic studies; comparative race, ethnicity, social movements; well-being; and/or critical race theory.

The successful applicant will be well qualified to teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies and will participate in the collaborative building of our new department. Additional responsibilities include standard quarter-system teaching assignment (2-2-2); exemplary teaching; active program of scholarly activity; service to the department, college, university, and profession through a range of activities.

• PhD in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, or other relevant field in the Humanities and/or Social Sciences or ABD at the time of application.
• A demonstrated ability to teach introductory and advanced theory and methods courses (undergraduate).
• A demonstrated research record that leads to publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or other forms of scholarly dissemination.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse students and cultivate learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues, including a demonstrated ability and commitment to healthy communication and collaborative work practices that are culturally-responsive and appropriate.

• A commitment to building a strong Ethnic Studies Department through curriculum development as well as demonstrated leadership.
• Additional expertise in Black culture, politics, and/or the Pacific Northwest.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and community-engaged research.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.