Assistant Professor of African Art at Yale University – United States

Summary

Yale University’s Department of the History of Art seeks a full-time tenure‑track Assistant Professor of African Art, focusing on visual arts before 1950. The position is based in New Haven, Connecticut, with an anticipated start date of 1 July 2027. The successful candidate will teach approximately four courses per year, including introductory African art history and upper‑level seminars aligned with their research. Responsibilities also include conducting and publishing research, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to departmental service, and participating in the broader Yale academic community. Applicants must hold a PhD in History of Art (or complete requirements by June 2027) and demonstrate strong research and teaching expertise in African art. The initial appointment is for five years, and the application deadline is 23 September 2027.

Key Facts

Department	History of Art
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	History of Art
Research Area	African art before 1950
Degree Required	PhD in History of Art (or equivalent)
Contract Duration	Five years
Deadline	2027-09-23
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Writing sample, Statement on pedagogy, Two sample syllabi, One introductory lecture course, One upper-division course or seminar, Three confidential letters of recommendation
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The role involves advancing scholarship on African art created before 1950, encompassing visual arts, performance, architecture, and related cultural expressions. The incumbent will conduct original research, publish findings, and integrate this expertise into undergraduate and graduate curricula, thereby expanding knowledge of African visual cultures within the department and the wider academic community.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach approximately four courses per academic year
• Teach introductory African art history courses
• Offer upper‑level courses or seminars reflecting research expertise
• Conduct and publish research in the visual arts
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Contribute service to the History of Art programme
• Participate in Yale’s academic and intellectual community

Required Skills

• Strong research focus on visual arts
• Expertise in African art before 1950
• Knowledge of art histories, performance, architecture, and visual cultures of Africa and its islands
• Substantial professional or research engagement in the region
• Demonstrated teaching expertise

Who Should Apply

Candidates who have earned a PhD in History of Art (or will complete it by June 2027), possess a strong research focus on African visual arts before 1950, have substantial professional or research engagement with the African continent and its islands, and have demonstrated teaching expertise in art history are encouraged to apply.

About the Employer

Yale University’s Department of the History of Art is hiring a full‑time tenure‑track Assistant Professor specializing in African art before 1950. The position is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and offers a five‑year initial appointment with a start date of 1 July 2027. The department emphasizes research, teaching, mentorship, and service within the broader Yale academic community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

23 September 2027

When does the appointment start?

1 July 2027

Who is the contact person for the search?

Pamela Lee, Professor and Search Chair (email: [email protected])

What documents must be submitted?

Cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, statement on pedagogy, two sample syllabi, and three confidential letters of recommendation