Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Working/Functional Title

Syntax, Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Position Summary

The Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Syntax. This is a nine-month, academic year position starting August 16, 2027. Responsibilities include research, teaching, and engagement in institutional and professional service.

Candidates must have a PhD in Linguistics or expect to have one by the start of the appointment. They should also have a record of high-quality research in generative syntax and a promising trajectory of scholarly engagement. Preference will be given to candidates whose scholarly interests complement or enhance the existing strengths of the Linguistics faculty.

The candidate should demonstrate the potential or proven ability to be an excellent teacher and mentor to graduate and undergraduate students. They will supervise BA and MA theses and doctoral dissertations. The typical teaching load is two courses per semester. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate syntax courses, plus other courses in the Linguistics curriculum that align with the candidate's expertise and program needs. They will also contribute as required to the College of Arts and Letters’ general education program in the Integrated Arts and Humanities.

This is a union position represented by the Union of Tenure System Faculty (UTSF). The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Linguistics

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Linguistics or expect to have one at the time of appointment.
• A record of high-quality research in generative syntax.
• Strong potential for research likely to result in top-level publications and national recognition.
• Potential for excellent instruction and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated ability and/or potential to provide service to the Department, the University, and the profession, and to work with students and faculty from a variety of backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications

• Scholarly interests that complement or enhance the existing strengths of the Linguistics faculty.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit:

1. a cover letter (max 2. pages)
2. current CV
3. a research statement (max. 2 pages)
4. a teaching statement (max. 2 pages)
5. 1 to 3 publications or writing samples representative of your work in your area(s) of expertise
6. the names and email addresses of 3 potential referees (please fill out the initial application with these names and emails)

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin November 15 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 1173718. For more information, contact Suzanne Wagner, Chair of the Search Committee at wagnersu@msu.edu.

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/15/2026

Website

lilac.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.