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 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

• Teach Persian language courses at elementary, intermediate, advanced, and/or heritage-speaker levels according to program needs.
• Normal teaching load is five courses per academic year; the Spring 2027 assignment will be adjusted to reflect 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 and engage 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.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; 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 required.
• Substantial experience teaching Persian at multiple levels in U.S. post‑secondary institutions preferred.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States required.
• Familiarity with current second‑ and foreign‑language pedagogy, particularly proficiency‑ and content‑based instruction.
• Experience incorporating digital technologies and innovative instructional materials highly desirable.
• Familiarity with contemporary standards for language learning and assessment highly desirable.