Full-Time Lecturer in Persian Language

The Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a full-time Lecturer and Program Coordinator in Persian Language, beginning January 1, 2027.

The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to 2 additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance review and Dean’s approval. Employee benefits are provided.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach Persian language courses at elementary, intermediate, advanced, and/or heritage-speaker levels according to program needs. The normal teaching load is five courses per academic year; the Spring 2027 assignment will be adjusted to reflect the January 1 start date.

The Lecturer will work closely with standing faculty to advance Persian language and cultural study at Penn. Responsibilities include teaching and advising students, holding office hours, participating in program, department, and School initiatives, and contributing to curriculum development, assessment, and program evaluation. The successful candidate will help strengthen the program's contribution to Penn's new College curriculum through innovative teaching and by engaging students from across Penn's four undergraduate schools.

Penn's Persian Language Program offers instruction from elementary through advanced levels, including dedicated heritage-speaker courses, and attracts students from across Penn's four undergraduate schools. We welcome candidates who approach Persian within its broad transregional and transnational contexts and can engage students with the linguistic and cultural diversity of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Persian-speaking diasporic communities. The successful candidate will demonstrate pedagogical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, collegiality, and a commitment to creating an intellectually rigorous and inclusive learning environment.

Applicants should demonstrate expertise, teaching experience, and a strong commitment to Persian language education. A Master’s degree is required and a Ph.D. preferred in Persian Language and Literature, Education, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, or a closely related field.

Native or near-native proficiency in Persian and fluency in English are required. Preference will be given to candidates with substantial experience teaching Persian at multiple levels in U.S. post-secondary institutions and with legal authorization to work in the United States.

Candidates should be familiar with current second- and foreign-language pedagogy, particularly proficiency- and content-based instruction. Experience incorporating digital technologies and innovative instructional materials, as well as familiarity with contemporary standards for language learning and assessment, are highly desirable.

Applicants should submit:

• a cover letter describing qualifications and interest in the position;

• a current curriculum vitae;

• a statement of teaching philosophy and language pedagogy;

• a sample syllabus from the most advanced Persian language course taught, including a content-based course where applicable; and

• names and contact information for at least three individuals who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. The University will contact recommenders directly.

Applicants are also encouraged, if available, to submit recent teaching evaluations (including written student comments); a link to a recording of a language class taught by the applicant; and a brief description of the recorded class with relevant teaching materials.

Applications must be received by October 15, 2026. Review will begin after the deadline and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.