Assistant Professor in Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History at Stony Brook University – United States

Summary

Stony Brook University's History Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in History or a related field by July 1, 2027, and relevant archival research experience. Expertise in immigration, gender and sexuality, race, and ethnicity, as well as experience in public history, museum work, or digital humanities, are preferred. The role involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, contributing to the graduate program's thematic clusters, and mentoring students. The successful candidate will also engage in departmental and university community building. The application deadline is December 1, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed remotely, with finalists hosted on campus in early 2027.

Key Facts

Department	History Department
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	History
Research Area	Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History, immigration, gender and sexuality, race, and ethnicity
Degree Required	Ph.D. in History or related field
Experience	Relevant archival research experience; hands-on experience in public history, museum work, and/or the digital humanities
Contract Duration	Tenure-track
Deadline	2026-12-01
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, Writing sample (chapter or journal article of 25-40 pages), List of three references with e-mail contact information
Employer Address	Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
Employer Contact	Office of Equity and Access at (631) 632-6280 (for disability-related accommodation); (631) 632-6350 (for crime statistics)

About the Project

The successful candidate's research will focus on Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History, with a preference for expertise in the history of society and culture in the modern U.S. and/or the modern U.S. in the world. Scholarship encompassing topics related to immigration and/or gender and sexuality, race, and ethnicity is particularly encouraged. The role also values relevant archival research experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the History graduate program's thematic clusters
• Teach a wide range of topics, including survey courses and specialized seminars for undergraduate and graduate students
• Actively contribute to building community within the History Department and across the university
• Demonstrate a commitment to graduate student mentorship

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in History (or related field) in hand by July 1, 2027
• Relevant archival research experience
• Specialization in Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History
• Expertise in topics related to immigration and/or gender, race, and ethnicity
• Ability to teach undergraduate surveys and seminars as well as graduate courses
• Hands-on experience in public history, museum work, and/or the digital humanities (preferred)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for scholars with a Ph.D. in History or a related field, specializing in Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History. Ideal candidates will have expertise in topics such as immigration, gender and sexuality, race, and ethnicity, and possess hands-on experience in public history, museum work, or digital humanities. Applicants should be committed to teaching a diverse range of courses, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to an inclusive departmental culture.

About the Employer

Stony Brook University is an R1 research institution and a flagship campus of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, located on the north shore of Long Island, 60 miles east of New York City. It is ranked as the #1 public university in New York and #26 among public universities by U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Colleges. A member of the Association of American Universities, it is one of the top 62 research institutions in North America. The university is Long Island's largest single-site employer, with nearly 15,000 employees and approximately 26,000 students. It offers over 200 academic programs and includes 13 schools and colleges, a Research and Development Park, world-class athletics facilities, and Stony Brook Medicine. The university also has a campus in Southampton and collaborates with Brookhaven National Laboratory. It maintains an international reputation in arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

What degree is required for this position?

A Ph.D. in History or a related field is required, and it must be in hand by July 1, 2027.

What are the preferred specializations for this role?

Preferred specializations include Modern U.S. Social and Cultural History, with expertise in topics related to immigration, gender and sexuality, race, and ethnicity.

What kind of experience is preferred for applicants?

Applicants with hands-on experience in public history, museum work, and/or the digital humanities are preferred.

What documents are required for the initial application?

The initial application requires a cover letter, CV, a writing sample (25-40 pages), and a list of three references with e-mail contact information.

Where is Stony Brook University located?

Stony Brook University is located on the north shore of Long Island, approximately 60 miles east of New York City, in Stony Brook, New York, United States.