The University of Alabama is accepting applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Study of Slavery, Race, and Civil Rights. The position will be housed within the Humanities and Social Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences. Initial research will focus on the study of slavery and its legacies at The University of Alabama. The position is renewable and may be eligible for transition to a tenure-track post. Persons with terminal degrees and research interests in related fields should apply to the address below.

The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Alabama seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Study of Slavery, Race, and Civil Rights at the University of Alabama. Working closely with the Research Group of the Faculty Task Force on the History of Slavery, Race, and Civil Rights, the selected applicant will research the role of slavery and its legacies at The University of Alabama. This work may include: deep scholarly research using manuscript collections; presenting research at conferences and symposia; organization of an on-campus scholarly symposium; co-authoring a report on the findings of the research group; considering additional ways the University’s landscape could commemorate university history; creating permanent museum, library, and/or digital exhibitions on slavery and civil rights at The University; and more.

The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree and demonstrate a record of academic achievement in a research area or areas relevant to this project. The position will be housed within the department of the candidate’s discipline. The department will establish a series of structured merit-based evaluations with the goal of transitioning a successful candidate into a tenure-track position. Established by the Provost, this position was created as the result of a 2018 Faculty Senate resolution calling for research and dissemination of the history of the University from its slave past to its continued trajectory toward becoming a more diverse and inclusive scholarly environment.

Applicants should submit a cover letter that describes their interest and experience in the study of slavery, race, and civil rights. In addition, applicants should include a brief (750-word) statement explaining how they might tackle documenting the University’s role in slavery and its institutional legacies. Please also provide a current C.V. and the names and contact information for three references. Letters of reference and a writing sample will be requested from finalists for the position after initial review.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Applications are encouraged from candidates with research interests in History, African American Studies, Gender and Race Studies, American Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, or related fields. A joint appointment across departments is possible. The minimum requirement at the time of the appointment is a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a field of research represented within the College of Arts & Sciences. The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal and/or promotion contingent upon demonstration of research productivity. Standard university hiring practices will govern the process of transitioning Postdoctoral Research Associate into tenure-track professor position. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2021.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law"