Union College invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor in French and Francophone Studies, beginning September 1, 2027, for three academic years. Review of applications will begin on December 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by December 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration.
Position description:
We seek a colleague with demonstrated excellence at all levels of language instruction (native or near-native fluency in French is required) and potential to teach upper-level courses in French and/or translation courses that contribute to the College’s interdisciplinary programs. We are interested in teaching that makes use of linguistic and cultural materials related to multiple aspects of the French and Francophone worlds. Ph.D. must be in hand or near completion by 9/2027. We are open to a variety of research agendas and are especially interested in candidates with research in the areas of Public Humanities, the Cultures of the Francophone Americas, or those with work that connects across disciplines.
The successful candidate will be able to teach French classes at all levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced) as well as other courses in French and in English (thus open to the full campus community), will have experience in leading co-curricular programming (i.e., language tables, cultural events), will offer courses that contribute to the College Complex Questions curriculum, and will demonstrate commitment to Union’s strategic goals of diversity and belonging. The successful candidate will furthermore exhibit promise for innovative, active scholarship with both broad and deep engagement with rigorous, creative research questions.
Teaching load is 2 courses per 10-week trimester, 6 courses per academic year.
About the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures:
The selected candidate will join a vibrant and diverse department, with colleagues who value the community shared across our five language programs and seven language offerings. Department members are regularly recognized for their commitment to teaching and research, as evidenced by their scholarly production, innovative courses, and editorial activity, as well as by their distinction with internal and external awards of excellence.
Application instructions:
Please submit all application materials as PDF files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.
- Cover letter describing how your education, teaching and research, academic interests, and experience address the requirements of this position
- Current curriculum vitae
- Teaching statement that outlines the goals and methods of your teaching, including information regarding strategies you’ve developed for teaching students with academically and culturally diverse backgrounds
- Research statement that describes your past and recent scholarly activities, as well as the methods and principles that have governed those activities
Please send questions and other inquiries to Michele Ricci Bell, Ph.D. at mllchair@union.edu. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching and research.
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $68,500-$70,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Exchange
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).
About Us
Union College
Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.
Accommodations
If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Diversity at Union College
Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.
