Open Rank Professor in Gender and Sexuality Studies of the Global South in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at Williams College

The program in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) seeks a professor who does research on gender and sexuality from countries or regions in the Global South. We are seeking candidates with expertise in feminist and/or queer social sciences, including but not limited to: anthropology, sociology, geography, political science, and public health. Interdisciplinary and intersectional research is especially encouraged. Research might engage but is not limited to: gender and sexual nonconformity, disability studies, Black feminisms, Indigenous feminisms, transnational feminisms, and masculinities. Candidates should have a degree in WGSS or a related field and experience teaching courses in WGSS, or courses that would readily fit into a WGSS curriculum. Candidates must have experience in or demonstrated capacity for program leadership, curriculum development, and mentorship of junior colleagues and students. Preference will be given to associate or full professors, but candidates with PhDs in hand by July 2027 will be given full consideration.

The start date for this position is 1 July 2027. The teaching load is 2/2. Each AY the hire will be expected to offer two core courses (e.g. Intro to WGSS or Foundations in Sexuality Studies or a junior/senior seminar) and two electives in their field of expertise. The hire for this position will be expected to chair the program, though not immediately. The salary range for this position is: $107,000-$136,000 a year.

WGSS is an interdisciplinary program designed to encourage students to focus critically on gender and sexuality, a study inherently threaded with other socio-political formations such as race, ethnicity, class, ability, nationality, and religion, among others. Our courses reflect interdisciplinary dynamism and encourage innovative teaching practices with particular interest in engaged and experiential learning. WGSS faculty provide undergraduate advising and mentorships inside and outside the classroom. WGSS has existed in some form at Williams for over 30 years. We have offered a major since 2002, and have graduated over 300 majors and concentrators since the program was established.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies or related field(s).
• Research expertise on gender and sexuality in countries or regions of the Global South.
• Research expertise in feminist and/or queer social sciences.
• Evidence of scholarly excellence through publications, grants, and/or research collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in or capacity for teaching excellence in WGSS.
• Demonstrated experience in or capacity for program leadership, curriculum development, and mentorship of junior colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience in or capacity for undergraduate mentorship.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access on campus and more broadly.

Application Instructions

The application deadline for this position is October 1, 2026. Applications should be submitted through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/188005. Application materials include a CV, a cover letter, a writing sample of a book chapter or article, a teaching statement, and three letters of recommendation. The cover letter should address current research and research trajectory, teaching experience and proposed curriculum, leadership and programmatic experience, and service interests. It should speak to the candidate's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access on campus. Cover letters should not exceed four pages. The teaching statement should address the candidate's pedagogical approach, share examples of activities and assignments, address how they foster inclusion and access in the classroom, and generally demonstrate their teaching and student mentorship experiences. The teaching statement should not exceed two pages. Candidates who progress to the Zoom or campus visit stage may be asked for additional materials, such as sample syllabi.

Zoom interviews will take place in early November. Campus visits with finalists will occur in early December 2026. For questions, please contact Mejdulene Shomali ([redacted]).