Assistant or Associate Professor

University of Missouri-Kansas City

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Race, Ethnic and Gender Studies

University of Missouri-Kansas City is proud to be a Carnegie classified R1 institution supporting groundbreaking research as well as a strong pedagogical tradition in hands-on learning. Our university is located in an urban environment that provides excellent opportunities for research and collaboration. In UMKC’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), our vast selection of courses – spanning the arts, humanities, and social sciences – offers a rich educational experience. More specifically, ideas and human experiences are analyzed in SHSS from different perspectives, which prepares students for careers in government, law, education, communications, political organizations, and more.   https : / / www.umkc.edu /    https : / / shss.umkc.edu / index.html

The Race, Ethnic and Gender Studies (REGS) undergraduate program at UMKC fosters intersectional exploration and understandings of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality as they relate to social identities. Courses prepare students for dialogue regarding historical and contemporary social dynamics, and for identifying opportunities for constructive future changes. The curriculum provides students with the necessary tools to build strategies for a variety of projects and initiatives requiring cultural competencies and to make an impact in a range of fields and professions. The program supports undergraduate internships as well as community engagement and career infusion. Additional information about the department can be found at

https : / / shss.umkc.edu / areas-of-study / race-ethnic-and-gender-studies / degree-programs.html .

Job Description

The REGS Department is accepting applications for a new tenure-track or tenure-eligible faculty member at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor to start Fall 2026. Applicants should have expertise in Black Studies, with preferred areas including but not limited to the African American experience as it relates to art and art history, literature, film and media, oral traditions, comparative and pan-African thought, the diaspora, disaster studies, and / or environmental justice. Field is open but the candidate should prioritize intersectionality in their work, and their expertise should both strengthen and expand the mission of the department. The department is particularly interested in candidates who apply Black Feminisms and Transnational Theories. The successful candidate will possess a doctorate in their field by August 1, 2026 and a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education.

This is a 9-month, full-time, benefit-eligible, tenure-eligible ranked faculty appointment that will begin August 2026. Our academic schedules and workload provide for a positive work / life balance.

Qualifications

A PhD is required.

ABD candidates will be considered; degree must be awarded by August 1, 2026.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is commensurate with rank, experience, and credentials.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, discounted tuition at all four UM System campuses for employees and qualifying dependents, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Application Materials

For consideration, you must apply online at  https : / / info.umkc.edu / hr / careers / academic-positions / ; click in Academic Positions Job Opening ID 57610 .

Please complete the online application form and provide :

• a cover letter with statement of research and teaching; curriculum vitae; two samples of scholarship; evidence of teaching excellence; and the names and current contact information for three professional references.

We will contact references and request educational transcripts for applicants who progress to the finalist stage.

For the online application, please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document. Additionally, please limit the document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., / , &, %, etc.).

If you have any questions about the position, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Kristen Barber, at k.barber@umkc.edu .

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin November 12 and continue until a qualified candidate is hired.

Community Information

A City on the Rise :  Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds – a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. The university is in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in America, and the metropolitan area has a population of more than 2.4 million. UMKC is centered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, and health science research engagement. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. Our campuses are nestled in the middle of all the action, from a thriving arts district, an energetic downtown nightlife, and an expanding KC Streetcar from UMKC to the KC River Market. Our community boasts championship professional athletic teams, NASCAR racing, ethnic and local cuisine (some great BBQ!), a new international airport, and a rich history of music and performing arts. Our beautiful state provides rivers, lakes, biking / hiking trails, and mountains for outdoor enthusiasts, all within an easy drive. Kansas City offers something for everyone ( https : / / www.visitkc.com / ).

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https : / / www.umsystem.edu / totalrewards / benefits .

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an  Equal Opportunity Employer .

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.