The Department of Africana Studies seeks a scholar with expertise in the Black experiences of Latin America and who can expand our teaching on the diverse cultural expressions and histories of African descendant populations. We are particularly interested in scholars who have a focus in the areas of the Afrolatinidad social movements that have grown in the region over the last few decades, the hybrid religious expressions that fuse aspects of Christianity with traditions that are indigenous to the Americas and rooted in the trans-Atlantic experience, or the expanding African immigration to the region to include the growth of African Muslims, and whose expertise include an examination of the imbrication of indigeneity, Blackness, caste, and unique processes of racialization in Latin America. Additionally, the scholar should demonstrate an understanding of indigeneity as an intersecting identity. Further, the scholar’s research should interrogate the intersection of power, culture, society, and behavior from a culturally centered perspective. We seek applicants who have a commitment to an engaged student-centered teaching pedagogy and a demonstrated interest in and vision for the future of Africana Studies, and whose research applies to the needs and interests of Africana communities in Latin America. The hire is also expected to work collaboratively with the Center for Latin American Studies and the Center for Brazilian Studies. We are open to any disciplinary subfield trajectory within the humanities or social sciences and would favor a scholar that works in the digital humanities. The successful candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Ph.D. in Africana Studies/African American Studies or a very closely related field;
• Strong record and promise of scholarly accomplishment appropriate to level of appointment;
• Research interests that contribute to diversity and integrate understanding of underrepresented populations and communities;
• Commitment to student-centered teaching of a diverse student population;
• Record of service in Africana communities.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues and communities in and out of the university to develop social justice-oriented scholarship and pedagogical practices.

Candidates must meet two (2) or more of these eight (8) criteria:

1. Is committed to engaging in service with underrepresented populations within the discipline
2. Has demonstrated knowledge of barriers for underrepresented students and faculty within the discipline
3. Has experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring underrepresented students
4. Has experience or has demonstrated commitment to integrating understanding of underrepresented populations and communities into research
5. Has experience in or has demonstrated commitment to extending knowledge of opportunities and challenges in achieving artistic/scholarly success to members of an underrepresented group
6. Has experience in or has demonstrated commitment to research that engages underrepresented communities
7. Has expertise or demonstrated commitment to developing expertise in cross-cultural communication and collaboration
8. Has research interests that contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education

For more information about the Department of Africana Studies, please visit our website: http://africana.sdsu.edu/.

SDSU is a large, diverse, urban university and Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. Our campus community is diverse in many ways, including race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, pregnancy, medical condition, and covered veteran status. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming environment for all. SDSU is seeking applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to teaching and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.

SDSU is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since its founding in 1897, the university has grown to become a leading public research university. Each year, SDSU provides more than 35,000 students with the opportunity to choose from 91 undergraduate majors, 78 master’s programs, and 22 doctoral degree programs.

To ensure full consideration, apply via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/81427 by January 15, 2021. The position will remain open until filled. All additional inquiries should be addressed to the search committee chair Dr. Sureshi M. Jayawardene, Department of Africana Studies, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-6032. Email:sjayawardene@sdsu.edu.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.