The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured professorship (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, tenure-track or tenured; or Professor) in modern Japanese history to begin July 1, 2026.  We seek a dynamic scholar for an open rank position in modern Japanese history, with specialization in 19th-century Japan into the early 20th century and with the strong potential to lead the field.  The successful candidate will be prepared to teach undergraduate survey classes on Japanese history and culture and to contribute to the department's global core offerings as well as teach and advise PhD and MA students working in historical and cultural studies.  Besides working closely with other Japanese studies faculty, the incumbent should expect to collaborate with specialists in other areas in the department (which covers China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam) as well as with cognate scholars in other departments and programs.  Consideration of applications will begin on December 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Minimum Degree Required:

PhD required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Demonstrated excellence in research and teaching is required.

All applications for this position must be submitted through Columbia University's Academic Search and Recruiting system (ASR).  Please upload the following materials: 1) CV; 2) cover letter with description of teaching and research interests; 3) brief description of courses the applicant has taught and would be prepared to develop; 4) sample syllabus; 5) writing sample (no more than 30 pages).

Additionally, for recent PhDs, please submit an abstract (including chapter outline) of dissertation.  For tenure-track applicants for Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, please submit abstract of first book, book reviews, and abstract of second/current book project.

Other materials are optional to include with the application.

In addition to uploading the required documents, tenure-track applicants to this position require three professional reference letters.  Applicants have the option to enter the name and email address for each reference, which will enable the system to generate an automatic email to the reference provider, politely requesting a letter of reference and offering a secure link to upload the letter quickly and easily in the Columbia system.  Applicants with tenure should include in their cover letter or on their CV the names of three references who will be available to provide letters upon request.

For more information about the position or application process please contact Jamie Yen Tan (jt2895@columbia.edu)

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The 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 above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

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