Position Description
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture (southernstudies.olemiss.edu) and its affiliated institute the Southern Foodways Alliance (southernfoodways.org) seek a tenure-track assistant professor in Food Studies to be jointly appointed in English, history, sociology, anthropology or a related field. PhD required; ABD candidates may apply. In addition to the ability to teach a range of interdisciplinary courses, candidates should have an active research agenda in Food Studies connected to the U.S. South and an interest in public-facing scholarship. Teaching responsibilities include four or five courses a year with regular opportunities for graduate-level instruction. The selected candidate will collaborate with the Southern Foodways Alliance on programming, including directing a graduate student conference and developing an undergraduate foodways track.
About Southern Studies
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture, founded in 1977, defines its mission as investigating, documenting, interpreting, and teaching about the U.S. South through academic inquiry and publications, documentary studies of film, photography, and oral history, and public outreach programs. The cross-disciplinary Southern Studies faculty and the undergraduate and graduate degree programs (BA, MA, and MFA) are the core of the Center’s work. Its curricula incorporate traditional disciplines of the arts, humanities, and social sciences to form an interdisciplinary framework for studying the South. The Center promotes research on the region’s varied cultures by supporting the work of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and visiting scholars.
About the Southern Foodways Alliance
The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. Based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the SFA shares oral histories, produces films and podcasts, publishes original writing, sponsors scholarship, mentors students, and stages events that serve as progressive and inclusive catalysts for the greater South.
Collectively, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and the Southern Foodways Alliance foster a welcoming environment for all by promoting inclusivity in our units, our academic field, and the broader community. We are committed to providing broad access for a wide range of faculty, students, and community members (including diversity of race, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, economic status, age, and veteran status).
Position Details
Appointment (9 Month)
Assignment Type (Tenure Track)
Minimum Qualifications
PhD required; ABD candidates may apply.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Application Procedures
Interested candidates should apply online at https://careers.olemiss.edu. For full consideration, candidates will submit the following documents: (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the advertised position and research agenda; (2) a C.V., including a roster of classes taught.
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Candidates who are selected for further review will be asked to provide sample syllabi and letters of reference (to be submitted by the candidate’s referees through the online application website). If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Hall, co-chair of the search committee, at mgbhall@olemiss.edu.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
The University of Mississippi provides a rich environment for research and teaching opportunities in the humanities and the social sciences. The university is located in Oxford, which boasts a vibrant literary, musical, and arts-focused community and has been consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in the U.S. (ESPN has consistently named Oxford the single best college town in America.) https://livability.com/ms/oxford
The Chronicle of Higher Education lists the University of Mississippi as one of the best colleges to work for in the U.S. The university has an R-1 Highest Research Activity Carnegie Classification and a student body of approximately 24,000 students, including 24% students of color and 4% international students from over 80 countries. https://olemiss.edu/
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information. We embrace a meaningful and holistic commitment to advance access and fair treatment for all in a welcoming environment.