Jobloria
Assistant Professor, German Studies
The University Of Arizona
Location : Tucson, AZ, 85701
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
The Department of German Studies in the School of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure-eligible (TE) in-person position beginning in August 2026 at the rank of Assistant Professor to serve as Language Program Director (LPD). A Ph.D. in hand is required at time of appointment in German linguistics, applied linguistics, second language acquisition, or a closely related field. We are especially interested in someone with both a scholarly and practical expertise in language program development/supervision/evaluation and language pedagogy and assessment.
The successful candidate will be qualified to direct the first two years of language instruction which includes in person, hybrid, and online courses; supervise graduate student instructors and oversee the implementation and innovation of the curriculum; teach German undergraduate and graduate-level courses as well as general education courses in all modalities (in-person, hybrid and online) and work effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
Candidates must have an active research agenda and provide evidence and/or promise of scholarly achievement, demonstrated excellence in teaching German language classes, and a commitment to recruit students to the language program as well as undergraduate and graduate programs. Superior proficiency in German and English is required.
Review of candidates will begin on November 14, 2025.
Alumni Jacquelynn and Bennett Dorrance have made a gift commitment of $5.4 million to endow the deanship of the University of Arizona College of Humanities and inspire on campus and throughout the world a continuous and fearless spirit of open inquiry: https://humanities.arizona.edu/about/fearless-inquiries-project.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, pleaseclick here.
- Direct the language program in German.
- Teach 2 courses per academic year (this includes 1 course reduction per semester for the direction of the language program).
- Teach general education courses, courses for the undergraduate major in German, and graduate courses for Master students in German Studies and PhD students in Transcultural German Studies.
- Supervise graduate student instructors teaching in the language program.
- Organize and lead graduate student instructor orientation and regular meetings.
- Maintain curricular cohesion through alignment and assessment of course sequences, outcomes, and objectives.
- Periodically review and update the curriculum, student learning outcomes (SLOs), and assessments.
- Select material for classes in the language program, in accordance with SLOs.
- Maintain an active research agenda and record of publication commensurate with a Research I institution.
- Contribute to University initiatives to foster a community of belonging and excellence, enhancing student engagement and student mentoring.
- Actively recruit and assist in recruiting German Studies majors and graduate students.
- Contribute to departmental, college and university service.
- Participate in Departmental and College-wide activities such as Meet your Major Fair, Study Abroad Fair, Language Fair, Convocation, Welcome Back Receptions, Homecoming, Commencement, and the Tucson Humanities Festival.
- Potentially contribute to the Department’s study abroad programs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to teach a variety of German undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Ph.D. in German applied linguistics, second language acquisition, or a closely related field.
- Evidence or promise of scholarly achievement aligned with the expectations of a Research 1 university.
- Superior proficiency in German and English.
- Demonstrated excellence and experience in teaching collegiate German language courses (e.g., in-person, hybrid, online).
- Demonstrated experience or interest in innovative language program curriculum development and course design.
- Demonstrated expertise and experience in language acquisition, teaching and pedagogy.
- Experience recruiting undergraduate German majors and graduate students.
- Experience assisting with or directing/coordinating a language program.
- Experience with technology for language teaching/learning and online/hybrid instruction.
- Experience with assessment and testing in language programs and interest in teaching a graduate course on assessment.
- Experience with oral proficiency assessment.
- Experience writing grants to obtain internal and external funding.
- A record of successfully recruiting undergraduate students.
- Experience and/or interest in contributing to summer study abroad programs.
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2 pages maximum)
- Statement of Recruitment of Undergraduate Majors Philosophy (2 pages maximum)
- 2 syllabi (1 undergraduate, 1 graduate, combined in one attachment)
- 2 teaching evaluations combined in one attachment
- Writing sample (in German or English)
Freqently Asked Questions
Leading a German language program at a place like The University of Arizona involves curriculum innovation, supervising graduate instructors, and managing diverse course formats including online and hybrid. This role demands combining administrative skills with pedagogical expertise to maintain cohesive learning outcomes and foster student recruitment in German studies.
Candidates need a Ph.D. in German linguistics or related fields like applied linguistics or second language acquisition. Proven excellence in teaching diverse German courses, language program management experience, and active research aligned with a research-intensive university’s expectations are critical for this academic role.
Tucson's academic scene, anchored by institutions like The University of Arizona, offers pathways from assistant to full professor roles. Engagement in research, grant writing, and leadership in language programs can accelerate promotion, especially in a field emphasizing both scholarly output and innovative teaching.
Delivering German language instruction through hybrid and online models requires adapting pedagogy to maintain engagement and proficiency outcomes. In Tucson, considerations include technological access variability and ensuring cultural immersion, demanding creativity to replicate in-person interaction virtually for effective language acquisition.
German Studies faculty positions in Tucson are moderately competitive due to limited openings and growing interest in language programs. Applicants with strong research portfolios, language program leadership experience, and bilingual proficiency in German and English tend to stand out in this academic market.
Faculty enjoy comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, plus life insurance and disability options. Additional perks include tuition reductions for employees and families, retirement plans, and access to campus recreational and cultural resources, fostering a balanced professional and personal lifestyle.
The university encourages scholarly advancement through grant opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participation in cultural events like the Tucson Humanities Festival. Faculty benefit from a supportive environment promoting innovative curriculum development and active student mentoring within German Studies.
In Tucson, an Assistant Professor in German Studies generally earns between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, reflecting experience, research achievements, and institutional funding. Salaries align with standards at research universities balancing teaching, program direction, and scholarly expectations.
Working at The University of Arizona offers a blend of strong research support and community engagement, emphasizing language program leadership and innovation. The institution's commitment to inclusive excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration shapes a dynamic academic experience distinct from more traditional or less research-focused universities.
This position encourages active participation in local events such as language fairs and the Tucson Humanities Festival, fostering connections beyond campus. Engaging with Tucson’s diverse cultural landscape enhances student recruitment efforts and enriches language programs with practical, community-based learning experiences.
Phoenix, AZ