Lecturer in Yiddish Studies

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

Cambridge, MA             

Position Description: The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations seeks applications for a lecturer in Yiddish Studies. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2026. The Lecturer will be responsible for teaching four courses per academic year and curricular development. Administrative responsibilities include participating in departmental and programmatic activities. The position is for three years, with the second two years contingent on a satisfactory performance review during the first year. 

Basic Qualifications: Doctorate in Yiddish or related discipline required by the time the appointment begins. The successful candidate will have native or near-native fluency in Yiddish, extensive experience and a strong record of teaching effectiveness in teaching Yiddish language at all levels, as well as in teaching specialized topics in Yiddish language, literature or culture. The successful candidate will also have thorough experience designing and using proficiency-based, culturally-rich, communicative, learner-centered, and up-to-date teaching methods in teaching undergraduate and graduate learners. The successful applicant will be committed to ongoing professional development and developing new course materials. 

Additional Qualifications: Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching is desired. Proven experience working in coordination with faculty and administration, including organizing cultural programming and events. Well versed in incorporating technology into instruction. Experience teaching specialized topics (e.g., literature, film, media). 

Special Instructions: Please submit the following materials by clicking Apply button. Candidates are encouraged to apply by 1 April 2026; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

1. Cover letter, including a description of teaching, advising experience, teaching philosophy, and approach to creating a learning environment in which every student is encouraged to ask questions and share ideas.
2. Service statement describing efforts to strengthen academic communities, including the candidate’s department, institution, and/or professional societies
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Writing sample, such as a journal article or dissertation chapter
5. Teaching portfolio including teaching evaluations, sample syllabi (including two seminars they could teach in the program), sample teaching materials, and a link to a video of an in-person class, if available. Please do not upload the video itself. Please upload these materials as a single PDF to the “Other” section of the Applicant Documents page.
6. Names and contact information of three to five referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate’s application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received. 

This position may be represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) - UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.

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