Assistant or Associate Professor in Arabic and Middle Eastern and North African Studies

Position Summary

The Department of Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies
at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time,
Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor
(tenure-track or tenured) in Middle Eastern and North African
Studies ( MENA ) with a focus on Arabic, to begin August 1, 2027.
We seek a dynamic scholar-teacher in Arabic studies whose work
advances contemporary cultural issues in the Middle Eastern and
North African region.

The teaching load will be 2/2 and will include Arabic language
classes as well as courses in the candidate’s area of
specialization, both in Arabic and in English. Additional duties
include the recruitment and supervision of graduate students,
service to the community and field.

The chosen candidate will join a vibrant, multi-disciplinary
department that houses Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean,
Swahili, Vietnamese, and Yoruba language and literature programs,
while offering multiple undergraduate majors and a graduate
degree.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications should include: cover letter, curriculum vitae, two
recent peer-reviewed publications, statement of research interests
and agenda, the names of three references and an example of two
course syllabi – one for an Arabic language course and one for a
course in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Applications received by December 20, 2026 will receive full
соnsideration, although the position will remain open until filled.
Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr.
Sonia Shiri, at soniashiri@uga.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2865P

Working Title

Assistant or Associate Professor in Arabic and Middle Eastern and
North African Studies

Department

Franklin-Comparative Lit

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of
Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and
is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The
proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional
achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA
is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S.
News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in
Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended
campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs
approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff.
The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over
31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional
students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges,
including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s
learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative
activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes.
With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin
College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a
sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to
multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.
Georgia is well known for its quality of life in regard to both
outdoor and urban activities

( www.georgia.org ;
www.visitathensga.com
).

College/Unit/Department website

https://cmlt.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/29/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information,
national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other
protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with
the accessibility of materials related to this search are
encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25
institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System
Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence,
Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation
for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community
member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these
standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and
Code of Conduct are available in
USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in
Board Policy
06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in contemporary Arabic Studies, Middle Eastern and North
African Languages and Cultures, Comparative Literature, or other
related fields.

Additional Requirements

• Native or near native proficiency in Arabic and English,

including at least one Arabic dialect.

• Training as an ACTFL OPI tester or completion of a

“familiarization” training is required.

For the Associate Professor rank, applicants must have
qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with
the promotion and tenure (P&T) guidelines at the UGA (
https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/promotion-and-tenure/promotion-guidelines/
). To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be
appointed as an associate professor, have been tenured at a prior
institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the
institution.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or
Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or
Competencies

• Ability to speak additional languages represented across the

region is a plus.

• Teaching and research expertise in fields such as literary,

cultural, or film studies, digital humanities, or translation.

• Teaching qualifications include demonstrated expertise in

teaching the Arabic language at different levels and content
courses in Arabic in the candidate’s area of expertise.

• Ability to teach students from a wide variety of disciplines in

addition to those in the Arabic B.A. This may include disciplines
in political science, international affairs, business, STEM, public
health, and the Honors College.

• An active research program in the candidate’s area of

expertise.

• Certification as an OPI tester is desirable. Applicants should

follow the proficiency approach and current teaching methods as
well as showing facility with using innovative learning
technologies for language learning.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of
financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this
position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children
under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT
security, personnel records, patient records, or access to
chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with
financial responsibilities. For additional information about the
credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website
.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background
investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating
your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia;
confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in
your application materials (including reference checks) as they
relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for;
and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be
subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk
responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Sample Publications
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents