Full-Time Lecturer in Persian Language

About the role

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 is for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance review and Dean’s approval. Employee benefits are provided. 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.

Responsibilities

• Teach Persian language courses at elementary, intermediate, advanced, and/or heritage-speaker levels according to program needs.
• Maintain a normal teaching load of five courses per academic year (Spring 2027 assignment adjusted for the January 1 start date).
• Work closely with standing faculty to advance Persian language and cultural study at Penn.
• Teach and advise students, hold office hours, participate in program, department, and School initiatives.
• Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and program evaluation.
• 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.
• Approach Persian within its broad transregional and transnational contexts, engaging students with the linguistic and cultural diversity of Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Persian-speaking diasporic communities.
• Demonstrate pedagogical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, collegiality, and a commitment to creating an intellectually rigorous and inclusive learning environment.

Requirements

• Master’s degree required.
• Native or near-native proficiency in Persian and fluency in English required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred in Persian Language and Literature, Education, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, or a closely related field.
• Preference given to candidates with substantial experience teaching Persian at multiple levels in U.S. post‑secondary institutions