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Professor Of Comparative Literature Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Professor Of Comparative Literature information

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$40K

$81.4K

$158.5K

How much do professor of comparative literature jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for professor of comparative literature in the United States is $81,447.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do professors of comparative literature typically balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities?

Professors of Comparative Literature often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting original research, preparing and delivering lectures, mentoring students, and serving on departmental or university committees. Managing time effectively is crucial, as research projects and publishing deadlines must be balanced with classroom preparation and grading. Collaboration with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects or curriculum development is common, and many professors find that administrative tasks, such as organizing conferences or chairing committees, can also be significant. Building a clear schedule and setting priorities helps manage these diverse duties and supports long-term career growth.

What is the difference between Professor Of Comparative Literature vs Professor Of Modern Languages?

AspectProfessor Of Comparative LiteratureProfessor Of Modern Languages
Required CredentialsPhD in Literature or related field, research experiencePhD in Language, Linguistics, or related field, language proficiency
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, lecture hallsUniversities, language institutes, cultural centers
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education, academic research, teachingHigher education, language instruction, cultural promotion
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, career paths in literatureCareer in language teaching, linguistic research

While both roles are academic positions within higher education, a Professor Of Comparative Literature focuses on analyzing literature across cultures and languages, often requiring research and interdisciplinary expertise. A Professor Of Modern Languages specializes in teaching and researching specific languages and their cultures. The key difference lies in their focus areas, though both require advanced degrees and academic experience.

What does a professor of comparative literature do?

A Professor of Comparative Literature teaches and researches literature from different cultures, languages, and time periods, often analyzing texts across national and linguistic boundaries. They compare literary works to explore themes, genres, and cultural contexts, fostering a broader understanding of literature’s global dimensions. Professors in this field may also guide students in critical thinking, literary theory, and interdisciplinary approaches, and contribute to academic scholarship through publishing and conferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professor of comparative literature, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professor of Comparative Literature, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in comparative literature or a related field, with expertise in literary theory, analysis, and multiple languages. Familiarity with academic research databases, citation management tools, and learning management systems is essential. Strong communication, mentoring, and cross-cultural sensitivity are standout soft skills for engaging students and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are crucial for effective teaching, scholarship, and fostering a dynamic, inclusive academic environment.
More about Professor Of Comparative Literature jobs
What cities are hiring for Professor Of Comparative Literature jobs? Cities with the most Professor Of Comparative Literature job openings:
What states have the most Professor Of Comparative Literature jobs? States with the most job openings for Professor Of Comparative Literature jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professor Of Comparative Literature job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Locum Tenens, 21% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 50% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,447 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$170K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

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Job description

Position
Details
Title
TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Comparative Literature
Position Description
The Department of Comparative Literature seeks to appoint a tenured professor in Yiddish literature and culture. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2027. The professor will teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will be a scholar and teacher who brings Yiddish literature into conversation with literary and cultural studies broadly understood at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Knowledge of other forms of modern Jewish literature, including modern Hebrew literature, is a plus.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a doctorate.
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching, advising, and research is desired. Candidates should also evince intellectual leadership and impact on the field and potential for significant contributions to the department, University, and wider scholarly community.
Special Instructions
Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu). Candidates are encouraged to apply by September 15, 2026; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Research Statement
3. Authorization form
Harvard University is committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging. Community members are encouraged to model our values of integrity, responsible mentorship, equity, and excellence no matter where they are.
To support this commitment to our values of inclusion and excellence, the external finalist for this position will be required to complete a conduct questionnaire- specifically regarding findings of violation, on-going formal complaint investigations, or formal complaint investigations that did not conclude due to the external finalist's departure concerning: harassment or discrimination, retaliation, sexual misconduct, bullying or intimidating/abusive behavior, unprofessional relationship, or misconduct related to scholarship, research, teaching, service, or clinical/patient care.
Harvard will also make conduct inquiries to current and former employers of the external finalist regarding such misconduct. To facilitate these inquiries, Harvard requires all external applicants for this position to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to release information for external applicants" as part of their application. If an external applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and, as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
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 policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. 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.
Download "Authorization to Release Information"
Contact Information
Faton Limani, Department Administrator, Department of Comparative Literature, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Dana Palmer House, 16 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email
faton_limani@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$170,000-$300,000
Minimum Number of References Required
Maximum Number of References Allowed
Keywords
faculty, instructor, tenure, professor, senior
Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England

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