Assistant Professor in Chicanx/Latinx Experiences, Law, and Policy

San José State University • San Jose, CA

11d • $88,000 - $92,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor with a specialization in Chicanx/Latinx Experiences, Law, and Policy, beginning August 2027. The department encourages scholars using interdisciplinary approaches, including Chicana/o Studies, legal studies, public policy analysis, social justice studies, immigration studies, community-engaged research, restorative justice, racial equity, and the social impacts of emerging technologies. The successful candidate will develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses such as Chicanx/Latinx Communities and the Law, Public Policy and Chicanx Experiences, and Chicanas/os in the Criminal Justice System. The department, established in 1968, is a pioneering Ethnic Studies program with the oldest graduate program in Chicana/o Studies in the United States. Located in Silicon Valley, it offers unique collaboration opportunities with diverse communities and organizations. The department is part of the College of Social Sciences, which is committed to equitable and inclusive teaching and learning, supporting faculty and student success through culturally-sustaining and academically-affirming approaches. San José State University, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), enrolls over 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved. The university seeks teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. Applicants are invited to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence detailing how their experiences contribute to the SJSU community, particularly in relation to student success.

Requirements

• PhD in Chicana/o Studies, Ethnic Studies, Latinx Studies, Legal Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Justice Studies, Public Policy, or a closely related field with a demonstrated specialization in Chicanx/Latinx experiences, law, and/or public policy (degree must be completed by the time of appointment).
• Demonstrated ability to teach and develop undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Chicana and Chicano Studies, particularly in areas such as law, public policy, social justice, or community-based research, as evidenced by prior teaching experience, teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, or instructional training.
• Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, scholarly research and publication focused on the intersection of Chicanx/Latinx communities with legal systems, public policy, civil rights, immigration, criminal justice, or related institutional frameworks, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, dissertation research, or an active research agenda.
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student populations as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated expertise in Chicana/o Studies, Ethnic Studies, legal studies, public policy analysis, criminal justice reform, immigration policy, civil rights law, or related applied policy fields, particularly as they relate to California and/or U.S. state and federal systems.
• Evidence of successful teaching experience in Chicana/o Studies, Ethnic Studies, or related disciplines, including the ability to teach core departmental courses such as Chicanx/Latinx Communities and the Law, Chicanas/os in the Criminal Justice System, or Public Policy and Social Justice.
• Experience with, or strong potential for, community-engaged scholarship, participatory action research, or collaborative work with community organizations, advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, or public agencies serving Chicanx/Latinx populations.
• Record of, or potential for, securing external funding, fellowships, or grants in support of research, teaching, or community-based initiatives.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students, particularly first-generation, and historically underrepresented student populations in higher education.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Justice Studies, Political Science, Sociology, or Ethnic Studies Departments and Programs, including development of cross-listed courses or curricular pathways.
• Experience developing innovative pedagogical approaches, including experiential learning, internships, policy labs, or applied research opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world policy contexts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an active research and teaching program focused on the intersections of Chicanx/Latinx communities, law, and public policy, including publishing scholarly work, presenting at professional conferences, and contributing to public-facing or community-engaged scholarship that advances social justice and policy reform.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Chicana and Chicano Studies, contribute to curriculum development in areas such as law, public policy, and social justice, and actively engage in student mentoring, advising, and service to the department, college, university, and broader community.
• Participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule.
• Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $88,000 - $92,000
• Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector. See the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details about the CSU’s excellent benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree