Job Information
Harvard University Lecturer in Yiddish Studies in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Details
Title Lecturer in Yiddish Studies
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
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 through the ARIeS portal
(https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/15957). Candidates are encouraged to apply by 1 April 2026; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
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.
Service statement describing efforts to strengthen academic communities, including the candidate’s department, institution, and/or professional societies
Curriculum Vitae
Writing sample, such as a journal article or dissertation chapter
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.
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.
Contact Information
Soma Roy, Search Administrator
Harvard University
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Department
6 Divinity Ave, Rm. 106
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email roy@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$70,300 to $72,900
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 5
Keywords
faculty, instructor, lecturer, Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England, Yiddish, Yiddish language, Yiddish Studies
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation_statement.pdf) policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination_and_anti-bullying_policies.pdf) . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Supplemental Questions