Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Modern Chinese History

About the role

The Department of History at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Modern Chinese History to begin July 1, 2027. “Modern” is defined as 1895 to the present. Candidates must have completed a doctoral degree in history (or a closely related discipline) by the time of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Teach a survey on modern China, among other courses related to their specialization.
• Examine China within broad transnational context through rich archival experience in multiple locations.
• Share commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring to the highest standards of academic excellence.

Requirements

• Completed doctoral degree in history (or a closely related discipline) by the time of appointment.
• Rich archival experience in multiple locations.
• Examine China within broad transnational context.
• Commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring to the highest standards of academic excellence.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in history (or a closely related discipline).
• Rich archival experience in multiple locations.
• Examine China within broad transnational context.
• Commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring to the highest standards of academic excellence.

Skills

• Strong research skills.
• Effective teaching abilities.
• Mentoring skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Excellent benefits package.

Pay

• Salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• Full-time, nine-month appointment.

Contact Information

To apply, submit a cover letter that explains the candidate’s interest, scholarly trajectory, and plans for both undergraduate and graduate teaching; a curriculum vitae; an article-length writing sample; and three letters of recommendation, to be submitted separately by their authors. If the writing sample is part of a dissertation or book manuscript, include an abstract explaining its relation to the larger project. Review of applications will begin on November 5, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

The Department of History is housed within the School of Arts & Sciences, which is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Division, and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies.

The University of Pennsylvania promotes curiosity, intellectual engagement, and discovery among students, faculty, and staff. We strive to create working and learning environments that foster meaningful connections within the Penn community and beyond.