The Department of Comparative Literature at Stanford University seeks applicants for a junior or senior appointment at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor, tenured Associate Professor, or Full Professor in Persian literature and culture, covering any period, genre, or geographic region. Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to effective teaching and mentoring and the ability to maintain a world-class research program. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in a related field and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. We seek a candidate with a deep understanding of the Persian literary tradition and its relevance within interdisciplinary and comparative frameworks.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the time of the appointment and must possess native or near-native proficiency in both Persian and English. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to Stanford's Hamid and Christina Moghadam Program in Iranian Studies.
We are looking for a dynamic scholar committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
The term of appointment is expected to begin on September 1, 2026.
Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions and submit:
- a cover letter
- curriculum vitae (including a complete publication list)
- a combined research and teaching statement (no more than three single-spaced pages)
- two writing samples (up to about 8,000 words each) in English
Candidates will also be asked to provide the names of three references, who will be contacted as follows:
- References for non-tenured applicants will be contacted for a letter upon submission of the application.
- References for applicants who are currently tenured may be contacted for a letter at a later stage in the application process.
The Department of Comparative Literature, School of Humanities & Sciences, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.
The salary range for this position in the academic year 2025-2026 is:
$111,240 – $130,810 for Assistant Professor
$124,630 – $154,500 for Associate Professor
$144,200 – $247,200 for Professor
Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Further information about Stanford’s Department of Comparative Literature may be found at https://dlcl.stanford.edu/departments/comparative-literature
Inquiries may be directed to Christine Onorato, Administrator, Faculty Affairs, conorato@stanford.edu
Applications are due October 24, 2025; later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.