Assistant/Associate Professor
Kean University
Assistant/Associate Professor
Kean University
Public research university in Union, NJ
External Applicant Instructions
Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Based in Union, New Jersey, Kean serves a diverse enrollment of approximately 23,000 students worldwide. The University is committed to providing an accessible, world-class education while advancing excellence in teaching, learning, research and impactful public engagement.
Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. The University continues to expand its research enterprise, creating new opportunities for faculty and students to engage in innovative research and scholarship with real-world impact. Building on its longstanding legacy as a leading producer of teachers in New Jersey, Kean is also a growing educational hub in business, healthcare and technology. Its six colleges offer more than 75 undergraduate programs, 10 doctoral programs and more than 90 graduate options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications.
Kean continues to expand access to higher education across New Jersey and around the world. In July 2026, the University completed its historic merger with New Jersey City University, establishing Kean Jersey City and strengthening its role as a statewide anchor institution. With campuses in Union, Jersey City, and Toms River, New Jersey; Wenzhou, China; and online through Kean Global, the University provides a broad range of opportunities for teaching, research and academic collaboration.
As Kean continues to grow, faculty play a vital role in advancing research, inspiring students and shaping the University’s future. We invite applications for the 2027–2028 academic year for a full-time, ten-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning September 1, 2027.
Kean faculty members are recognized for teaching distinction, scholarship and service. All tenure-track faculty are expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence and an on-going program of research and publication or creative and performance activity. Participation in curriculum development, student advisement and service at the departmental, college, university and community level is required. Proficiency in a Learning Management System is also required, consistent with University guidelines.
Employment at Kean requires working at any of our New Jersey campus locations or affiliated work sites, which may include, but not be limited to: the main campus in Union; Kean Ocean in Toms River; Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township; Kean Jersey City; Kean at Brookdale in Middletown Township; Manahawkin; Princeton; and Trenton. Location assignments will be based on operational and university needs. Faculty may also be assigned to teach online classes for Kean Global. Teaching assignments may include day, evening and weekend courses. Evening hours are required based on department needs for teaching evening/night courses and for most graduate course assignments.
College of Liberal Arts, Department of English
English as a Second Language (ESL) – to teach ESL courses that develop students’ reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and academic literacy skills using evidence-based instructional practices. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: designing and assessing curriculum, as well as contributing to the development, implementation, and assessment of the ESL program to support student engagement, success, and retention. The faculty will maintain an active program of scholarship and professional development in ESL, TESOL, applied linguistics, or related field(s) and also participate in departmental and college-wide service. Faculty are also expected to teach courses serving the university's general education program. This faculty member will support student success initiatives and contribute to the growth and excellence of the ESL program through teaching, scholarship, and service.
Qualifications: This position requires a Doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field; demonstrated experience teaching ESL or multilingual learners at the post-secondary level; knowledge of second-language acquisition theory and evidence-based instructional practices; experience developing curricula and assessing student learning outcomes; and experience with online, hybrid, or technology-enhanced instruction.
Candidates must have an established and active independent research record that supports publication in peer reviewed journals or publication venues appropriate for the discipline and a strong agenda for future research. ABD candidates will be considered with degree completion by September 1, 2027.
Application and Position Information
Please submit a cover letter, resume, statement of teaching philosophy and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Official transcripts are required before appointment.
In compliance with New Jersey’s Pay Transparency Law, the annual salary range for this position is $79,781.83 - $90,190.21. Faculty rank is considered when making a salary offer. Salaries for internal applicants who are aligned under a collective bargaining unit will be determined in accordance with contractual guidelines. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, a retirement plan and benefits for work life balance. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to our Kean University Benefits website.
Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.
Employment at Kean requires working at any of our New Jersey campus locations or affiliated work sites, which may include, but not be limited to: the main campus in Union; Kean Ocean in Toms River; Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township; Kean Jersey City; Kean at Brookdale in Middletown Township; Manahawkin; Princeton; and Trenton. Location assignments will be based on operational and university needs. Faculty may also be assigned to teach online classes for Kean Global.
Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.
Kean University participates in E-Verify. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: E-Verify.
Kean University, New Jersey’s first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research, and impactful public engagement.
Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer
Public research university in Union, NJ
Kean University is a public research university in Union, New Jersey. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges and international campus partnerships.
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