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African Literature Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of California

$60 - $80/hr

The Department of African American & African Studies at UC Davis welcomes applications for ... Black women's contributions in history, literature, and social science; life experiences of Black ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Knowledge of the history, politics, economics, literatures and cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa * Strong public service ethic * Experience providing reference and research services including use of ...

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African Literature information

What is African literature?

African literature refers to the body of literary works produced by authors from the African continent. It encompasses a diverse range of genres, languages, and themes, often reflecting the rich cultural, social, and political landscapes of Africa. African literature includes both oral traditions—such as folktales, poetry, and proverbs—and written works in indigenous and colonial languages. Prominent themes often explored are identity, colonialism, tradition, and modernity. Notable African writers include Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Wole Soyinka.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in African literature within academia or publishing?

Professionals specializing in African Literature often engage in a range of activities, such as conducting research on literary works, teaching courses at universities, developing syllabi, and publishing scholarly articles or books. They may also participate in organizing literary events, conferences, or workshops, and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines like history, anthropology, or postcolonial studies. In publishing, roles might include editing manuscripts, scouting African authors, or curating anthologies. The work environment is usually collaborative and intellectually stimulating, offering opportunities to contribute to the growing global appreciation of African literary voices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an African literature professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an African Literature Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in literature or a related field, with a strong focus on African literary works and criticism. Familiarity with academic research databases, digital archives, and citation management tools is essential for teaching and scholarship. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking skills help engage students and foster inclusive discussions. These skills are crucial for effectively analyzing texts, advancing literary scholarship, and inspiring diverse learners.

What is the difference between African Literature vs African Literature?

AspectAfrican Literature
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Literature, African Studies, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, publishing houses, cultural organizations
Industry UsageLiterature, education, cultural preservation
Common Search IntentUnderstanding African literary works, authors, and cultural context

Since the comparison is with itself, the key difference lies in context. African Literature refers to the body of literary works from Africa, encompassing various genres, authors, and cultural themes. It is a field of study and a collection of creative works, often explored by writers, scholars, and students interested in African cultures and storytelling traditions.

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What cities are hiring for African Literature jobs?

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What states have the most African Literature jobs?

States with the most job openings for African Literature jobs include:

What job categories do people searching African Literature jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for African Literature jobs are:

African Literature jobs near you
Infographic showing various African Literature job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor of English in Anglophone African Literature

St. Olaf College

Northfield, MN

$77K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Department of English at St. Olaf College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position in Anglophone African Literature at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2027. 

The successful candidate will be able to teach widely in global Anglophone literature, such as South Asian literature and/or Global Indigenous literature. The successful applicant will teach five undergraduate courses per year at all levels with a regular commitment of three courses in the English Department and two sections of Writing and Rhetoric (first-year writing). The position will contribute to the Africa and the African Diaspora program, and, if relevant, other interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental Studies; Film and Media Studies; and Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies. We especially welcome candidates interested in involving undergraduates in research and teaching courses in St. Olaf's study abroad/away programs.
Salary: $77,200 - $82,000 
Qualifications 
We invite applicants who will hold a Ph.D. in literature by Fall 2027. 
About the Department 
The new hire will join a vibrant department with three major tracks (English, Creative Writing, and English with teaching licensure) and colleagues who frequently participate in or lead interdisciplinary programs, such as Africa and the African Diaspora, Film & Media Studies, and Race & Ethnic Studies. Our English majors present papers at national conferences and often take on leadership roles with campus publications. The English Department is a vital part of the college's First-Year Experience, with English faculty teaching first-year writing and courses within the St. Olaf's unique learning communities, which bring together incoming students and a faculty cohort through a sequence of themed courses. For more information about the department, visit wp.stolaf.edu/english.

We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity-gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age-to St. Olaf each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging website to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts. 
How to Apply 
Throughout your materials, include how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at our college through your teaching, research, and/or service. A complete application includes the following: 
References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship. Letters will be solicited from references by the search committee for candidates who advance to the interview stage.  
Supporting Documents and URLS:

  1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
  4. Teaching Statement: Please provide a one-page statement describing your approaches to teaching literature and writing, with examples of your most successful class activities or assignments, keeping in mind our focus on undergraduates.
  5. Professional Statement: Please provide a one-page statement describing your current and future research program.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date will receive fullest consideration. Finalist interviews are expected in Nov/Dec 2026. Questions about the position, department, or College may be directed to Colin Wells,, Search Committee Chair, at tt2026english@stolaf.edu. 
 

Join Our Community - Work at St. Olaf!

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to a 90% reduction) at ACM, GLCA, and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/

A link to our Community and Belonging page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/

For Staff Application Assistance:

hrstaff@stolaf.edu

507-786-3068

For Faculty Application Assistance:
facultysearch@stolaf.edu
507-786-3356

Nondiscrimination Policy

St. Olaf College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.  St. Olaf College prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon these and any other legally protected status in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admissions and employment. 


Inquiries about this nondiscrimination policy may be referred to St. Olaf College's Director of Equal Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. St. Olaf's Director of Equal Opportunity (who serves as the College's Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504 Coordinator) is Pamela McDowell, Tomson Hall, mcdowell@stolaf.edu, (507) 786-3465.

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