Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Description The San Diego State University Department of Asian American Studies seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in Asian American Public Humanities. Open to a wide range of humanities approaches and methods but candidates must be willing to engage the public in areas of expertise. Apply via PageUp by November 19, 2025. The Department of Asian American Studies was recently formed in 2025 and offers an undergraduate minor and major as well as a range of general education and broad interest courses. Substantial external support for the department was provided by the Mellon Foundation for AY2025-2028, and this hire will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to building this new department and extending its broader activities and relationships. The department partners with the university’s vibrant APIDA Center, which facilitates student engagement, cultural, and research activities. To learn more, please visit aas.sdsu.edu and apida.sdsu.edu. Qualifications Required qualifications by date of application A record of original research / scholarly / creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship / creative activity, b) teach undergraduate and graduate courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities. Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria . Ability to teach across disciplines in areas of expertise, including cross-listed courses and course within other units within the College of Arts and Letters, as appropriate Required qualifications by date of hire Terminal degree in Asian American Studies or related Humanities discipline, with all degree requirements met. Preferred qualifications Demonstrated or emerging evidence of establishing community-based practices, partnership(s), or internships in area of specialty Ability to teach either Asian American History or Power, Politics, and Asian America Ability to direct advanced undergraduate student research Demonstrated proficiency and interest in interdisciplinary, disciplinary, and collaborative approaches and methodologies, as appropriate Potential for securing internal and/or extramural funding Application Instructions Apply via PageUp by November 19, 2025, providing the following materials: Cover letter, including information indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (max 4 pages, single-spaced) Curriculum vita Names and contact information for three references Sample syllabus for your area of public humanities (lower or upper-division) Writing sample The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $83,000 to $86,000 . Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here . SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. Pursuant to Education Code 89521 , the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to. Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu . The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

Keywords: San Diego State University, National City , Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies, Education / Teaching , San Diego, California