Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies

Union College, Schenectady, NY

Full time

JR101864

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies, beginning September 1, 2027. Applications must be received on or by December 15, 2026 for consideration.

Position description:

The Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department is seeking a specialist in Hispanic Linguistics or Cultural Studies, preferably with expertise in U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures. The successful candidate’s research should be highly interdisciplinary. For linguistics candidates, we seek (but are not limited to) such specializations as Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, Neurolinguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Phonology, Syntax, Morphology, Semantics, or Pragmatics.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Spanish, Linguistics, Hispanic Studies, or a related field. Candidates with PhD in hand will be prioritized. Candidates who will defend their dissertation by August 2027 will be considered. Native or near-native fluency in Spanish required. High English language proficiency is also required.

Strong Spanish language teaching skills and experience at all levels required, as is the ability to contribute courses that complement our current offerings. Experience leading term abroad programs is a plus. Candidates with experience teaching Heritage learners preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise to develop courses in Spanish and English on U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures.

Union College offers many opportunities for both faculty and students to engage with multiple disciplines - and each other - in collaborative classroom settings, innovative majors and minors, and unique initiatives. We seek candidates who can offer interdisciplinary courses, involve students in research, and advise student theses and projects in Spanish and English, especially those that intersect with interdisciplinary programs (https://www.union.edu/interdisciplinary-studies) , such as Neuroscience, Data Analytics, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Africana Studies. Interest in spearheading new interdisciplinary opportunities on campus (such as an interdisciplinary Linguistics minor) a plus.

Teaching load is six courses per year along with the expectation of research, student advising, College service, and departmental service including curricular development, student engagement, placement advising, and recruitment activities. A successful applicant will demonstrate interest in working closely with undergraduate students and in departmental curricular development that is forward-thinking, creative, and interdisciplinary.

About the Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department (https://www.union.edu/spanish) :

The Spanish and Hispanic Studies program became an independent department last year. Spanish is among the top five most popular minors at Union College. We are a dynamic and energized group that welcomes bold curricular experimentation. We hope our new Assistant Professor will complement our efforts through the development of interdisciplinary courses and research opportunities for students in Hispanic Linguistics and/or the above described fields.

Application instructions:

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.

• Curriculum vitae

• Letter of interest

• Research statement (for non-specialist readers)

• Teaching statement that includes a discussion of the candidate’s potential to involve undergraduate students in research and/or experiences outside the classroom

• Graduate transcripts (unofficial accepted)

Please send questions and other inquiries to Stephanie Mueller, Associate Professor and Chair of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at [email protected].

Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the following:

• Contact information for three professional references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant’s abilities in teaching Spanish courses at various levels and/or expertise in Hispanic Linguistics and/or U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures

• Two sample syllabi: One for a course taught in Spanish at any level from 250-299 (advanced intermediate) to 400 (fourth year), and one for a course taught in English to a broader student population

• A writing sample

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500. 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 (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?\_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , 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 (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) .

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 [email protected] 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.