Assistant Professor - Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS)

The College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University invites applications for two positions, each at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature, or the Department of Art, as part of the Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Initiative. Each appointment will be wholly housed in one department, with courses and service expected to help grow the interdepartmental NAIS Initiative, which includes an undergraduate minor. This initiative engages with the global, transdisciplinary scope of Indigenous studies, while also developing a regional emphasis on Long Island, the mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, and a thematic emphasis on art and environmental sustainability and justice. We are especially looking for faculty who can develop and teach core courses for the NAIS minor, and who can connect Indigenous methodologies to artistic practices and cultural histories of Indigenous resistance, resilience, and decolonization. These positions will have an expectation of working with local/regional Indigenous communities through outreach efforts. Both positions will begin in the fall 2025 semester.

The Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature invites applications for an Assistant Professor, with an interest in Indigenous film, art, literature, and culture from across Latin America/Abiayala, and especially welcomes candidates with a geographic emphasis on Central America/Mesoamerica, Mexico, and/or the Amazon region. Regional expertise in Indigenous Studies in the context of the United States/Turtle Island is welcome, but not required for this position. Candidates should have a PhD (or foreign equivalent) in hand or anticipate PhD completion by the time of appointment. They should have a strong research record, excellent teaching credentials, and native or near native proficiency in English and Spanish. The successful candidate will be expected to teach two courses per semester, including graduate (PhD) seminars, combined MA and upper-level undergraduate courses, gateway courses toward the Major in Spanish and general education courses in English about Latin American/Abiayalan cultures.

The Department of Art seeks an Assistant Professor of Sculpture with an interest in Native American and/or Indigenous arts. The ideal candidate will be a creative visual artist adept in shaping various materials, including but not limited to clay, stone, metal, wood, and contemporary media such as 3D printing. The candidate's work should engage with contemporary sculpture, installation, integrated practices, hybrid practices, public art, and encourage social practice and other time-based methods of making.The successful applicant will have a robust grounding in the fine arts, familiarity with historical and contemporary art practices, and proficiency in a wide range of sculptural techniques and tools. We especially welcome applicants who can use current departmental facilities in their research and teaching, including our bronze-casting foundry, woodshop, and metal shop with CNC machines. Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of teaching experience and hold either an MFA or an equivalent terminal degree. Alternatively, a track record of national and international exhibition experience is acceptable. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate studio courses, developing an innovative curriculum, mentoring students, and contributing to the department's research profile. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to inspire and guide students through the creative process, from conception to execution, and to integrate modern technologies and methodologies into their practice.

This position demands an interdisciplinary approach, engaging with wider social, ecological, and political concepts, reflecting the university's commitment to interdisciplinary research. The department values creative and critical thinking that fosters collaboration across different disciplines, encouraging a more comprehensive exploration of art's role in society and the environment.

The positions will remain open until filled, with priority consideration for applications submitted by October 19, 2024.

Required Qualifications:
PhD (or foreign equivalent) in NAIS or related field, or an MFA or equivalent, with extensive training/experience in NAIS, by September 2024. Disciplinary specialization appropriate to one of the departments listed in the ad. Evidence of the ability to conduct and publish scholarly research or artistic work related to NAIS pertaining to one or more of the disciplines listed in the ad. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in education.

Preferred Qualifcations:
Record of peer-reviewed publications or exhibitions. Post-secondary teaching experience related to NAIS. Evidence of outreach and engagement with off-campus communities. Experience with professional organizations in NAIS, such as NAISA or the American Indian Studies Association. Demonstrated interest in securing external research/exhibition funding in relevant areas. Mentoring experience (informal or formal) or training.

Applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Diversity Statement (describing engagement with Indigenous communities
• Curriculum Vitae
• Applicants for the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literature should submit a scholarly writing sample (15-30 pages)
• Applicants for the Department of Art should submit a portfolio with work samples.
• Sample undergraduate and graduate course syllabi
• Contact information for three references

The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation.

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