Assistant Professor in Italian in Mount Holyoke College and Smith College – USA

Summary

Mount Holyoke College and Smith College are inviting applications for a joint tenure-track Assistant Professor of Italian position, starting July 1, 2027. The role specializes in Medieval, Renaissance, and/or Early Modern Studies, with a preference for candidates engaging with Transnational Italian Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Global Early Modern Studies, digital humanities, visual and material culture, environmental humanities, race and ethnicity, or migration studies. The successful candidate will teach four courses per year, split between the two campuses, and must be able to teach in both Italian and English. A PhD or ABD is required, along with a strong teaching and research record and experience mentoring diverse students. The minimum starting salary is $90,000. Applications, including a CV, letter of application, writing sample, and three statements, must be submitted by December 7, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Classics and Italian at Mount Holyoke College and the Department of German and Italian at Smith College
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Italian
Research Area	Medieval Renaissance and/or Early Modern Studies, Transnational Italian Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Global Early Modern Studies, digital humanities, visual and material culture, environmental humanities, race and ethnicity, migration studies
Degree Required	PhD or ABD
Experience	Demonstrated record of strong teaching at the undergraduate level and experience mentoring diverse students
Salary	Minimum starting rate of pay 90,000
Contract Duration	Tenure-track
Language	Italian, English
Required Documents	CV with the names of three referees, letter of application, writing sample not exceeding 20 pages, statement concerning teaching philosophy (not exceeding one page), statement concerning research interests (not exceeding one page), statement about mentoring a diverse student body (not exceeding one page)
Employer Contact	Denise Falk, Department Coordinator, Department of Classics and Italian, Mount Holyoke College, [email protected]

About the Project

The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active research program within the specialization of Medieval, Renaissance, and/or Early Modern Studies. Research interests may include Transnational Italian Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Global Early Modern Studies, digital humanities, visual and material culture, environmental humanities, race and ethnicity, and/or migration studies. The role also involves mentoring and advising students on honors projects, special studies, and other independent research.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach four courses per year, split between Mount Holyoke College and Smith College
• Teach language, culture, and literature courses with broad interdisciplinary appeal
• Contribute to collaborations across the Five Colleges
• Maintain an active research program
• Mentor and advise students through honors projects, special studies, and other independent research

Required Skills

• Ability to teach in Italian
• Ability to teach in English
• Strong research record
• Strong teaching record at the undergraduate level
• Experience mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a PhD or ABD in Italian, specializing in Medieval, Renaissance, and/or Early Modern Studies, who have a strong record of undergraduate teaching and experience mentoring diverse students. The ability to teach in both Italian and English is essential. Individuals whose work engages with Transnational Italian Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Global Early Modern Studies, digital humanities, visual and material culture, environmental humanities, race and ethnicity, and/or migration studies are especially encouraged to apply.

About the Employer

Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges are undergraduate liberal arts colleges, each with over 2000 students. They are located about 90 miles west of Boston in the Connecticut River valley and are members of the Five College Consortium, which also includes Amherst, Hampshire, and the University of Massachusetts. They are women's colleges that are gender diverse and are committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this position?

The position starts on July 1, 2027.

What is the teaching load for this position?

The successful candidate will teach four courses per year, with two at Mount Holyoke College and two at Smith College.

What is the required academic qualification for applicants?

A PhD or ABD (All But Dissertation) is required.

What is the minimum starting salary for this position?

The minimum starting rate of pay is $90,000.

What is the application deadline?

Candidates should submit their materials by December 7, 2026.

Who can I contact for questions about the application process?

Questions may be addressed to Denise Falk, Department Coordinator, Department of Classics and Italian, Mount Holyoke College at [email protected].