Assistant Professor of Linguistics

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Linguistics invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026.  

The successful applicant will be prepared to assume a course load of college-level ASL/English Interpreting courses, and to coordinate the ASL/English Interpreting program. As the coordinator, they will maintain compliance with Collegiate Commission on Interpreter Education (CCIE) accreditation including regular progress reports and reaccreditation, which will be supported by administrative staff. The coordinator will support the maintain the vision of the program, which includes emphasis on the peer-professional training of both Deaf and hearing interpreters, as well as commitment to a model-based curriculum. The Coordinator of the ASL/English Interpreting Program will work directly with the Coordinator of the ASL Program.

The faculty position also involves advising and mentoring students, supervising placements for observation and practicum hours, maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the community, recommending and mentoring part-time instructors for interpreting courses, and contributing to the organization of the annual Maine Deaf Film Festival, among other things.

The Department of Linguistics is an undergraduate program within the College of Science, Technology and Health. Linguistics students can major in general linguistics or in a number of concentrations. We also offer several minors.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2026 and will pay a base salary of $71,096.00 plus benefits. When hired, candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or ABD in linguistics, interpreting, or related; ABD must plan to defend by Fall of 2026.
• Experience in the instruction of interpreters or future interpreters.
• At least five years as an actively working Deaf or hearing interpreter (at least 15 hours or more a week), with at least two years of RID certification.
• Is active in the interpreting profession (as interpreter or in research or involved with interpreting organization).
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, active learning and community engagement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in ASL equivalent to ASLPI score of 4 or better.

How to Apply:

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button or visit USM Careers and submit the following materials:  

• Cover Letter in English
• Cover Letter in ASL (upload as video, 15-20 min. max)
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Copy of RID certification
• The names and contact information of three references (at least one a Deaf person recommended)

We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately.  

This position will remain open until filled. 

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.