Assistant Professor of English (Disability Studies) in Villanova, Pennsylvania at Villanova University

Founded in 1842 and recognized among the nation’s best colleges and universities, we are a mission-driven institution inspired by the values of truth, unity, love, and dedication to serving the common good. At Villanova, we believe our people are our most precious asset. That’s why we offer a vibrant and collaborative campus environment and invest in our employees through competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success.

Benefits include:
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members
• Professional development opportunities
• Retirement savings plan with University contributions
• Well-being programs and resources
• Flexible work options where appropriate

We invite you to join a community where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference. Learn more about the benefits of working at Villanova on our website.

The Department of English at Villanova University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of disability studies and literature, with a focus on any geographic area or historical period after 1800. Desirable secondary fields include (but are not limited to) Irish studies, performance, and race and migration.

The successful candidate will begin in Fall 2027. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in English or a related field in hand by August 1, 2027, an active scholarly research agenda, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. Teaching responsibilities include a 3/2 course load, with opportunities to teach literature courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additional responsibilities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and contributing to the intellectual life of the department and university.

Villanova’s English Department is committed to comprehensive approaches to literary study and inclusive teaching practices. The successful candidate will join an accomplished community of writers, scholars, and educators and will have the opportunity to work with a growing Deaf and Disability Studies program.

Located twelve miles west of Philadelphia and an hour-and-a-half by train to New York City, Villanova offers access to two of the nation’s vital literary and cultural hubs.

Teaching responsibilities include a 3/2 course load, with opportunities to teach literature courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additional responsibilities include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and contributing to the intellectual life of the department and university.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in English or a related field in hand by August 1, 2027, an active scholarly research agenda, and a commitment to excellence in teaching.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample (10-15 pages), teaching statement, and contact information for three references via the Villanova employment site. Finalists will be asked to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments.

The submission deadline is December 11, 2026. Semifinalists will be contacted by mid-January 2027 to schedule Zoom interviews; letters of recommendation and longer writing samples will be requested at that point. Campus visits will be scheduled for finalists in March 2027.

For more information about Villanova University and the Department of English, please visit https://www1.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/english.html.

Competitive