Description
The Department of Asian Studies at Furman University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant, associate, or professor of Chinese to begin August 2027. Candidates must demonstrate a record of effective teaching and student engagement in Chinese language instruction. The successful candidate will also teach courses in their field of Chinese Studies (specialization open) to complement our departmental offerings, such as cultural studies, film, literature, or other related fields.
The successful candidate will teach five courses per year, which will include language classes at various levels and content courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. Responsibilities also include collaborating with colleagues to strengthen and expand the Chinese program through curriculum development, student advising and mentoring, and shared program coordination. The position is also responsible for directing study abroad, teaching first-year seminars, offering interdisciplinary courses on Asian Studies, pursuing an active research agenda, and performing university service. The successful candidate will join one of the largest Asian Studies departments among liberal arts undergraduate institutions, with a strong commitment to engaged learning and interdisciplinary teaching. Qualifications include a Ph.D. in Chinese or a related field expected by Aug 1, 2027. Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English is required. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching and promoting an engaged and inclusive teaching environment and show strong potential for scholarly achievement. Successful candidates will also demonstrate the potential to be dedicated contributors to The Furman Advantage (https://www.furman.edu/furman-advantage/). The position offers competitive salary and benefits.
Furman University is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through excellence in teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and programming. We believe that cultural understanding, inclusiveness, and freedom of inquiry, thought, and discourse are essential components of a transformative undergraduate education. We advance these ideals with a liberal arts and sciences curriculum built on a substantial general education program, featuring traditional and innovative elements, and a robust portfolio of disciplinary and interdisciplinary major and minor areas of study. Additionally, we have established and continue to develop various initiatives, including historic projects, dialogue programs such as On Discourse and the Intergroup Dialogues Program, the Center for Interpersonal Connections, and four distinctive external-facing institutes. The successful candidate will have the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to Furman’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity to Furman’s rich learning culture.
Application instructions: Applicants must submit materials no later than October 1, 2026 through this link on the Furman University application portal: https://furman.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/Furman_Careers/job/Main-Campus/Professor-of-Chinese--Assistant-Associate-Full-_R003322. Applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF in the order listed: a letter of interest, C.V., statement of teaching philosophy, and complete contact information for three references. The statement of teaching philosophy should describe your inclusive teaching and mentoring efforts, broadly conceived, and how your teaching and mentoring may contribute to a liberal arts and sciences community that aims, among other things, to “honor inquiry, promote diversity, [and] strive for equity” (FUture Focused). You may also discuss any relevant professional development, service contributions, or other experiences that have refined your skills or demonstrate your efforts in these areas. Preliminary interviews will be conducted remotely via video conference.
Inquiries may be directed to Dongming Zhang, Chair of the Chinese Search Committee, Department of Asian Studies, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613, dongming.zhang@furman.edu.
Requirements
Qualifications include a Ph.D. in Chinese or a related field expected by Aug 1, 2027. Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English is required. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching and promoting an engaged and inclusive teaching environment and show strong potential for scholarly achievement.
