Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies

About the role

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies, beginning September 1, 2027. Applications must be received on or by December 15, 2026 for consideration.

Position description

The Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department is seeking a specialist in Hispanic Linguistics or Cultural Studies, preferably with expertise in U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures. The successful candidate's research should be highly interdisciplinary. For linguistics candidates, we seek (but are not limited to) such specializations as Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, Neurolinguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Phonology, Syntax, Morphology, Semantics, or Pragmatics.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Spanish, Linguistics, Hispanic Studies, or a related field. Candidates with PhD in hand will be prioritized. Candidates who will defend their dissertation by August 2027 will be considered. Native or near-native fluency in Spanish required. High English language proficiency is also required.

Strong Spanish language teaching skills and experience at all levels required, as is the ability to contribute courses that complement our current offerings. Experience leading term abroad programs is a plus. Candidates with experience teaching Heritage learners preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise to develop courses in Spanish and English on U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures.

Union College offers many opportunities for both faculty and students to engage with multiple disciplines - and each other - in collaborative classroom settings, innovative majors and minors, and unique initiatives.

We seek candidates who can offer interdisciplinary courses, involve students in research, and advise student theses and projects in Spanish and English, especially those that intersect with interdisciplinary programs, such as Neuroscience, Data Analytics, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Africana Studies.

Interest in spearheading new interdisciplinary opportunities on campus (such as an interdisciplinary Linguistics minor) a plus.

Teaching load is six courses per year along with the expectation of research, student advising, College service, and departmental service including curricular development, student engagement, placement advising, and recruitment activities. A successful applicant will demonstrate interest in working closely with undergraduate students and in departmental curricular development that is forward-thinking, creative, and interdisciplinary.

About the Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department

The Spanish and Hispanic Studies program became an independent department last year. Spanish is among the top five most popular minors at Union College. We are a dynamic and energized group that welcomes bold curricular experimentation. We hope our new Assistant Professor will complement our efforts through the development of interdisciplinary courses and research opportunities for students in Hispanic Linguistics and/or the above described fields.

Application instructions

Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of interest
• Research statement (for non-specialist readers)
• Teaching statement that includes a discussion of the candidate's potential to involve undergraduate students in research and/or experiences outside the classroom
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial accepted)

Please send questions and other inquiries to Stephanie Mueller, Associate Professor and Chair of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at.

Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the following:

• Contact information for three professional references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant's abilities in teaching Spanish courses at various levels and/or expertise in Hispanic Linguistics and/or U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures
• Two sample syllabi: One for a course taught in Spanish at any level from 250-299 (advanced intermediate) to 400 (fourth year), and one for a course taught in English to a broader student population
• A writing sample

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including

• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.