Assistant or early-Associate Professor (EXPIRED)

The Philosophy Department and African American Studies Program at Illinois State University invite applications for a tenure-line faculty position at the rank of Assistant or early-Associate professor in Philosophy of Race, broadly construed. This position is part of a University-wide interdisciplinary joint appointment initiative intended to strengthen offerings in interdisciplinary programs. We are looking for a colleague who will work with us to make substantive contributions to both the African American Studies Program and to Philosophy Department. Successful candidates will have a tenure home in the Philosophy Department and a joint appointment in the African American Studies Program. Teaching, research, and service assignments will reflect the dual appointment.

The successful candidate’s research and teaching will explore philosophy of race centered on African American experiences. We understand philosophy of race broadly and take it to encompass a variety of topics, including: racialist ideologies and normativity; systems of racial inequality; racial justice and anti-oppression philosophies; epistemology and race; race and philosophy of science; metaphysics of race; aesthetics and race; or history of philosophy and race. We welcome a variety of philosophical approaches.

The position is a nine-month, tenured or tenure-track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the Philosophy Department. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

The joint hire will be expected to offer courses in Philosophy and at least two courses a year in African American Studies as part of a 3/3 teaching load. Teaching will include both general education electives and upper-level topical courses. Candidates will have significant opportunities to develop courses that reflect their areas of expertise.

Minimum qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy or a Ph.D. in a related area
• Candidates must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. by June 1, 2023
• Evidence of substantial engagement with African American Studies via coursework, teaching, research, or the equivalent
• Must be competent to teach courses in philosophy
• Must have a philosophically grounded research agenda

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to fostering a culture of inclusive teaching and scholarship reflecting a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate education.

Application Instructions:

Candidates are invited to submit the following application materials with their online application:

• Letter of application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample of 8,000 words or fewer
• Research statement
• Teaching statement, including teaching philosophy and discussion of approaches to selected courses the candidate has taught or anticipates teaching
• Diversity and Inclusion statement discussing how the candidate’s teaching, research and/or service demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; examples might include scholarly work, efforts to improve access to higher education for underrepresented individuals or groups, or other contributions to diverse communities.
• References: Applicants should submit the names and contact information of at least three references who may be asked to provide confidential letters of reference on request (Interfolio acceptable).
• Applicants will be asked to provide a sample philosophy of race syllabus when first-round interviews are scheduled.

Please keep letter of interest, research statement, teaching statement, and diversity and inclusion statement each to 1,500 words or fewer.

Review of applications will begin November 16, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit an initial online faculty application. To do this, visit (www.IllinoisState.edu/jobs/) where applicants must submit a complete application packet by uploading the requisite documents listed above. Applications will be considered incomplete until all required items are uploaded and will not be reviewed until complete. If any applicant has questions about the position, please contact Dr. Alison Bailey at [email protected].

The Philosophy Department and the African American Studies Program are committed to increasing faculty who promote equity, diversity and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service. ISU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, including women, nonbinary people, trans people, veterans, persons with disabilities, all Persons of Color, and members of underserved/underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

About Illinois State University:

We acknowledge that Illinois State University is located on the lands of the Peoria, Očhéthi Šakównŋ (or Sioux), Myaamia, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), and Kaskaskia, which were stolen as a result of ongoing settler colonialism.

Illinois State University (www.IllinoisState.edu), founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State is a coeducational, residential university that emphasizes undergraduate study with approximately 21,000 students. Our 34 academic departments in six colleges offer 63 undergraduate programs in more than 160 fields of study. Illinois State University is committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities and promoting the highest academic standards in teaching, scholarship, and community service. Illinois State University has been named a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In our most recent strategic plan Educate ∙ Connect ∙ Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our University being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/).

About Bloomington-Normal:

Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000 The community is home to GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, State Farm Insurance International Headquarters, Illinois Wesleyan University, Lincoln College, and Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, vibrant fine arts scene, historical sites, economic opportunity, and low crime. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).