The University of Virginia (UVA) is inviting applications for a tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor position in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGS), with an anticipated start date of August 10, 2027. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, this prestigious academic opportunity seeks established scholars whose research engages with gender and sexuality studies through Global South, transnational, migration, diaspora, and Islamic world perspectives.
Hosted by the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, the position offers the opportunity to join a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community committed to advancing research, teaching, and public engagement on critical issues shaping societies worldwide. Scholars with expertise in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the Position
The Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UVA seeks a distinguished scholar for a tenured appointment at either the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank. The department welcomes applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including the humanities and interdisciplinary fields.
Particular interest is directed toward scholars whose work explores gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, migration, transnationalism, and diasporic communities. Research focusing on Muslim communities, religious identities, feminist and queer studies, public health, justice, security, and related topics is especially valued.
The successful candidate will contribute to a thriving department comprising ten faculty members and support both undergraduate and graduate academic programs.
Areas of Research Interest
Applicants may specialize in one or more of the following areas:
- Global South studies
- Diaspora and migration studies
- Transnational studies
- Gender and sexuality studies
- Feminist and queer studies
- Islamic studies and Muslim communities
- Religion and spirituality
- Public health
- Justice and security studies
- Interdisciplinary humanities research
The university is particularly interested in scholars whose work contributes to conversations connected to UVA’s Islamic Worlds Initiative.
Key Responsibilities
The selected faculty member will undertake a combination of teaching, research, mentorship, and service responsibilities.
Core duties include:
- Teaching two courses per semester
- Conducting high-impact scholarly research
- Publishing in leading academic journals and presses
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
- Participating in departmental and university service activities
- Contributing to the broader academic profession through leadership and engagement
- Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centers
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualification:
- Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
Preferred Qualifications
The University of Virginia is seeking candidates who demonstrate:
- An outstanding record of scholarly achievement
- A strong and sustained publication portfolio
- Excellence in teaching and student mentorship
- Commitment to interdisciplinary research and collaboration
- Ability to work effectively across disciplines and diverse academic communities
- Interest in advancing the mission and goals of the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Candidates with expertise connected to the Islamic Worlds Initiative are particularly encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the Opportunity
This faculty position offers an opportunity to join one of the United States’ leading public research universities. Successful candidates will benefit from:
- A tenured academic appointment
- Access to world-class research resources
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Engagement with a diverse global scholarly community
- Supportive academic and research environment
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
- Access to University of Virginia faculty support programs
The university also provides confidential Dual Career Services for partners of incoming faculty members.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing:
1. Cover Letter
A cover letter outlining:
- Research plans and academic agenda
- Teaching experience and interests
- Contributions to diversity and global engagement
- Alignment with UVA’s educational mission
Maximum length: Three single-spaced pages.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A comprehensive academic CV detailing qualifications, publications, teaching experience, grants, awards, and professional achievements.
3. Teaching Statement
A statement describing teaching philosophy and experience.
Maximum length: One single-spaced page.
4. Scholarly Writing Sample
Applicants must submit:
- One article-length publication, or
- One chapter-length publication
5. References
Names and contact information for three professional references.
Selected references may later be asked to submit formal recommendation letters.
Application Timeline
Position Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Institution: University of Virginia
Department: Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Position Type: Tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor
Start Date: August 10, 2027
Application Review Begins: October 5, 2026
Priority Deadline: October 5, 2026
Applications: Accepted until the position is filled
Applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications before the review date to receive full consideration.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This position provides an exceptional platform for senior scholars working at the intersections of gender, sexuality, migration, religion, and Global South studies. As universities increasingly prioritize interdisciplinary scholarship and global perspectives, the role offers a unique opportunity to shape teaching, research, and public discourse within one of the most respected academic institutions in the United States.
For scholars committed to advancing feminist, queer, transnational, and Global South research agendas, the appointment offers substantial opportunities for intellectual collaboration, mentorship, and long-term academic impact.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Candidates can improve their competitiveness by:
- Demonstrating a strong publication record and scholarly impact
- Highlighting interdisciplinary research achievements
- Showcasing successful teaching and mentoring experience
- Explaining how their work contributes to Global South and transnational scholarship
- Presenting a clear future research agenda
- Tailoring application materials to the goals of the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit all required materials through the University of Virginia’s official application portal before the priority review deadline.
