Job no: 821193
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Arts And Letters
Department: Theatre 10004832
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Education/Training, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union
Working/Functional Title

Research Associate - THR

Position Summary

Post-MFA, Postdoc two-year appointment in Theatre Directing with the goal to transition to a tenure stream position. As part of its intentional commitment to amplifying the intellectual leadership of BIPOC artists of the global majority, the College of Arts & Letters announces a new postdoctoral or post-MFA fellows program in the Arts & Humanities. The intent of the program is to create a cohort of early career scholars who will contribute to and benefit from a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive intellectual community in the College, provided with robust mentoring to prepare those research associates for possible tenure track appointments at Michigan State University.

We are seeking a stage director with experience in global majority performance. Applicants can be current MFA or PHD students who will receive their degree before August 2023, or recent graduates with no more than 4 years since the date of their terminal MFA degree (May 2018 - May 2023). Applicants will need to have completed their MFA or Doctoral degree by July, 2023.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in directing and a commitment to anti-racist theatre, with an additional focus in any of the following: Black Theatre, devising or new play development, non-Western forms, stories of the global majority, social justice theatre, community-based or applied theatre. The candidate will demonstrate an investment in equitable, identity-conscious, culturally-affirming, and inclusive theatrical practice. This postdoctoral/post-MFA fellow will pursue research and/or creative activities, teach a 1-1 course load in directing and/or their focus area, and direct or engage in two creative assignments in the department's annual production season.

The aim of this program is to attract early-career, diverse faculty to our campus. We believe that representation is important and welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing global majority theatre artists who are underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to anti-racist theatre, diversifying both the curriculum and the production season, and supporting our increasingly diverse student population.

The postdoctoral or post-MFA fellows in the Arts & Humanities are supported by a network of mentors who help them embark on an academic career and chart their pathway to intellectual leadership by way of sharing knowledge, expanding opportunities, and mentorship and stewardship. Successful candidates will also participate in College-cohort programming organized by a Mentoring Team that includes presenting in an inter-departmental colloquium series and opportunities for faculty development. The College understands the term BIPOC as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and the global majority to be broadly inclusive of people who are Asian, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, multi- heritage, or have been racialized as “ethnic minorities.”

To be eligible, applicants must have completed their PhD, MFA, or equivalent during or after the 2018-2019 academic year and prior to the start date. The 2- year fixed-term Research Associate positions will begin on August 16, 2023. Appointments will be made to applicants who show promise for tenure-track positions in Michigan State University’s College of Arts & Letters in accordance with MSU academic hiring process. Each appointment is for a minimum of 9 months, renewable for an additional year, contingent upon a demonstration of meeting the performance expectation in research and teaching, with an emphasis on demonstrated research productivity. Transitioning into a tenure-track faculty position at Michigan State University will require a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, which will include substantial peer input. MSU’s academic hiring process will be followed in appointing the candidates that advance into the tenure-track.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

All applicants should have the following:

• Ph.D., M.F.A. or D.F.A granted during or after 2018/2019.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit

a cover letter

current curriculum vitae

An artist statement highlighting approaches to directing or other areas of interest including specific evidence of past practice and/or planned future action.

A 1-page summary of your philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence.

the names and email addresses of 3 potential referees.

Together-we-will StatementThe university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin December 01, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 821193.

For more information, contact Alison Dobbins, Chair of the Search Committee at dobbinsa@msu.edu.

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

12/01/2022

Website

https://theatre.msu.edu

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Oct 18, 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 18, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time