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 consideration, 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
- Employment Type: Employee
- Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
- Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2027
- Job Posting Date: 10/29/2026
- 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 Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 and Code of Conduct are available.
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
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Position of Trust and Other Position Questions
- 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.
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
