What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Instruction in Japanese Studies position at University of Texas at Austin?
The Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Instruction to teach courses connected to the JapanLab, an innovative interdisciplinary Digital Humanities initiative with a strong track record of success. More details can be found at www.utjapanlab.com. We especially invite applications from interested candidates working in Japanese literature and media, Japanese history or connected fields, as well as applicants with experience in Digital Humanities methods or an interest in video games, but coding skills or experience with game development are not required. Candidates should be interested in working alongside undergraduate teams.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach a 2/2 course load each semester. One of these classes will focus on the development of new games for the JapanLab project where faculty collaborate with small groups of students to design functional educational games and digital resources for Japanese Studies classrooms. The students are drawn from across the university with the faculty member acting in an advisory capacity with a focus on content. The successful candidate will also teach courses related to their research and general teaching field.
The successful candidate will take on the role as Executive Director for JapanLab. Administrative responsibilities include student recruitment, promoting and maintaining the website, and networking with internal and external programs and organizations to help grow the program.
The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to work collaboratively in a unique program that sits at the intersection of Japanese Studies and Digital Humanities. The initial contract will be for one year with a one-year extension pending satisfactory job performance. We are able to offer a highly competitive salary.
Questions about this position can be directed to the current JapanLab Executive Director, Dr. Jessa Dahl (jessa.dahl@austin.utexas.edu).
Applicants must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. by the start of the contract.
The committee will begin reviewing applications March 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
To apply, please submit the following
Letter of interest
CV
List and description of two other proposed courses in your field
Digital Humanities statement (addressing any work or interest in this area including video games)
Proposal for a JapanLab game (see examples: http://www.utjapanlab.com/game-pitch)
One writing sample (30 pages max)
Three letters of recommendation
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.