Teaching Assistant Professor of Public History - Department of History

The Department of History in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor in Public History beginning August 14, 2026. Teaching Assistant Professor appointments have renewable terms of up to three years, with no limit on the number of terms. These positions are eligible for promotion (e.g., Teaching Assistant Professor to Teaching Associate Professor, etc.); however, promotion to senior ranks is not a requirement for institutional commitment and career stability.

As a unit of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of History serves over 7,000 students annually through general education and undergraduate and graduate classes, and offers Bachelor's degrees in History and Social Studies/Secondary Education, Master's degrees in History and Public History, Doctorate degrees in History, and coordinates a graduate certificate in Cultural Resource Management.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach graduate and undergraduate classes in public history, historic preservation, local history research methods, and cultural resource management, as well as develop public history projects to provide experience for students in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, the candidate will offer classes to fulfill the needs of the general education curriculum and students in the major and minor while recruiting undergraduates to our Public History graduate program. The normal teaching load for this position is four courses per semester, but this position includes a one course equivalency for planning and implementing community-driven projects for student learning and another for advising and overseeing students in the Cultural Resource Management Program and undergraduates interested in Public History.

Professional Qualifications:

• Required qualifications include a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in History or a closely related field by the time of appointment, a demonstrated ability to teach public history and cultural management subject matter, and evidence of professional experience in historic preservation or cultural resource management, including any of the following:
• Experience working for a federal agency, a state historic preservation office, NGO (e.g. UNESCO), or historic preservation non-profit organization
• Experience securing or managing federal grants or contracts.
• Experience or graduate course work in developing Historic Resource Studies, Administrative Histories, Interpretive Plans, or National Historic Landmark or National Register nominations.
• Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate potential for incorporating digital history into their teaching and collaborating with local, regional, and national agencies to provide professional experience for undergraduate and graduate students.

Applications:

To apply please visit https://careers.wvu.edu and navigate to the position title listed above. Upload a letter of application describing teaching and professional experience and interests, a CV, a writing sample that demonstrates an ability to train graduate students in public history research methods, and the names and contact information of three referees. Letters of recommendation, as well as additional materials, may be requested for selected candidates following an initial review of applications. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information contact the Search Committee Chair Professor Melissa Bingmann at Melissa.Bingmann@mail.wvu.edu.

Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.