The Language & Culture Program at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of French Language and Culture beginning August 1, 2027.
We seek a scholar of French and Francophone literatures and cultures whose teaching and research complement and strengthen the French curriculum. Candidates whose work engages one or more Francophone regions, including the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Maghreb, and from related fields, including interdisciplinary and comparative approaches, are encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to excite and engage classes of 16 or fewer students, to develop a productive program of research and scholarship, and to engage in service. The position favors candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will teach French language courses at all levels as well as upper-division courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. In addition, they will also teach in our interdisciplinary General Education (GE) program, for example, Core 1, Core 2, Modes of Inquiry, Introduction to the Pacific Basin, American Experience, and/or Learning Cluster (see our Undergraduate Catalog). The teaching load at SUA is five courses per year, typically four courses in French language and culture and one GE course.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in teaching and scholarship as well as evidence of ongoing research activity, and should describe a plan to maintain an active research program. SUA provides resources to support faculty research year-round through institutional research funds and with undergraduate student research assistantships.
Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university's mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of our interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.
Candidates should demonstrate both a record of and a commitment to meaningful service to their profession and to the university community.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in French, Francophone Studies, Comparative Literature, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
Native or near-native proficiency in French and the ability to teach effectively in English are required.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching in a small liberal arts environment, maintain an active program of scholarly research, contribute to the intellectual life of the Language & Culture Program, participate in service to the University and the profession, and demonstrate the ability to teach and advise students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
Soka University of America
Soka University of America (SUA) located in Aliso Viejo, California, is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts college founded on the values of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life. It offers a unique and global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree with five Concentrations, and has a commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. SUA's small and multinational student body, approximately 450 undergraduates, ensures personalized attention and a close-knit academic community. The university's curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and incorporates a strong international perspective, requiring students to study abroad for a semester. Faculty members at SUA have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to faculty development and academic freedom. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and a culture that values dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of its students.
Soka University is committed to a dynamic teaching pedagogy that prioritizes active learning through experiential projects, group discussions, and real-world applications. We place a strong emphasis on inclusive pedagogy, fostering a classroom environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel acknowledged, respected, and empowered. Our instructional approach aims to not only disseminate knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) Letter of application addressing the required qualifications; (2) A Curriculum vitae; (3) Evidence of teaching effectiveness; (4) A teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in relevant courses, specifically a philosophy that should reflect how the candidate would address teaching needs in a liberal arts environment and address diverse backgrounds and viewpoints; (5) A statement of research interests and plan; and (6) Contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested prior to interviews through the Interfolio platform.
Employment Eligibility
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete Form I-9 on their first day of employment and provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States. Acceptable documents are listed at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
Benefits and Salary
SUA offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, dependent tuition remission, and faculty home loans. The salary range for this position is $86,000 - $92,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Review of applications will begin on October 19, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Please apply by submitting your application through Interfolio using this link:
Apply for the Assistant Professor of French Language and Culture Position
For inquiries, e-mail: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. SUA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (which includes employees who hold or present a driver's license issued under section 12801.9 of the Vehicle Code), ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender (which includes gender identity, gender expression, and transgender status), pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, religious creed (which includes all aspects of religious belief, observance, and practice including religious dress and grooming practices), physical disability, mental disability, age, legally protected medical condition (which includes genetic characteristics, cancer or a record or history of cancer), marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, employees requesting accommodation of a disability or religious belief, employees on public assistance or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. SUA also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
