About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Description

The History Department of the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a nine-month tenure-system appointment expected to start on September 1, 2026, at the rank of Assistant Professor in the History of the Modern Middle East. Areas of specialization are open. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research agenda, and teach four courses per academic year, including high-enrollment introductory surveys and undergraduate and graduate seminars in their research fields, and will contribute to the service needs of the department, college, and university.

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in History, or a related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates will be considered based on their scholarly research as well as strong potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Preferred Requirements:

Excellence in research and an ability to teach broad surveys of the region in the modern period.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $114,693 for this position. Please note:

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
• The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required or relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Application Instructions

Applicants must apply through the UMass online application system unless they are unable to do so. Applicants should submit: 

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae 
• Writing sample of 25 pages or less (as PDF)
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness 
• Names and contact information for three references who are willing to submit letters upon request through the UMass online application system 
• Please also provide a one-page personal statement addressing how your work aligns with the University’s values and goals as outlined in the "Strategic Plan – For the Common Good.”

Additional Information

Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is a 9-month academic year appointment at 100%FTE with full benefits.

For more information on living, working, and learning in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts please visit:

https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/prospective-faculty

Position is dependent on available funding.

Review of applications will begin on December 5, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Candidates will interview remotely by December 12, 2025, with campus visits beginning after February 2, 2026. Questions can be addressed to jwolfe@history.umass.edu.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

About University of Massachusetts Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

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