Lecturer – Japanese

Overview

The Department of World Languages & Cultures at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a position at the rank of Lecturer in Japanese. For this teaching-centered faculty position, the department seeks to hire an individual with experience and demonstrated excellence in Japanese language teaching and a strong commitment to student success. This position is located on the Logan, Utah campus. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2027.

The Department of World Languages & Cultures welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their current U.S. work authorization status. Visa sponsorship may be available depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration requirements. The University supports standard sponsorship costs but cannot cover the additional $100,000 H-1B fee if applicable. Sponsorship eligibility will be determined by University Human Resources prior to an official offer of employment.

Responsibilities

• This role is 90% teaching, 10% service, with teaching as the area of excellence.
• Teaching a range of undergraduate Japanese language courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels (typical teaching load: 12-13 credit hours per semester);
• Teaching content-based courses conducted in Japanese, including courses in Japanese culture, business Japanese, literature or film, and related fields;
• Mentoring and advising students inside and outside regular teaching hours;
• Contributing to the continued development of the Japanese program;
• Supporting and fostering exchange and collaborative relationships with partner institutions in Japan;
• Helping to build industry connections;
• Fostering community-engaged or experiential learning opportunities for students;
• Participating in USU ETE-Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence professional development opportunities;
• Participating in and helping to facilitate the student Japanese Club, with events on-campus in the Japanese Cultural Hub and community-engaged activities;
• Participating in recruiting, retention, and alumni communication efforts for the Japanese and World Languages & Cultures programs;
• Participating in service activities that support the department, college, and university; collaborating in activities within the department or with other units across campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA in Japanese, or Japanese language pedagogy, second language teaching, or applied linguistics with a specialty in Japanese, or education, or degree in a closely related field (Masters or PhD degree must be in hand and completed by July 1, 2027);
• Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese (ACTFL OPI Distinguished level or equivalent); and effective English communication skills;
• Experience teaching undergraduate Japanese courses in the North American higher education context;
• Demonstrated excellence in Japanese language teaching;
• Commitment to proficiency-oriented language teaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to teach a Business Japanese course and courses in Japanese culture.
• Willingness to build industry connections and community-engaged or experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Experience developing new courses or in curriculum development.
• Experience supporting study abroad, exchange, or other international education initiatives.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

A current and complete CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

The names and contact information (email and phone) for three (3) professional references, who may be consulted or contacted for confidential letters of recommendation. The references will be typed into the candidate profile at the beginning of the application.

The follow documents will be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

A cover letter (limit max 3 pages single-spaced) addressing how the applicant meets the qualifications and responsibilities of the position. The letter should describe relevant education, teaching experience, and professional development, and a brief teaching philosophy, as they relate to the requirements of this position.

Up to three (3) supporting documents that demonstrate excellence in Japanese language teaching (e.g., teaching awards, teaching evaluations, peer observations, instructional materials, professional development activities, a brief teaching video, or other relevant materials). Please combine all materials into a single PDF file (maximum 3 documents, maximum 10 pages, combined in 1 file). If applicant chooses to include a video, please just provide a URL link to the video within the single PDF file.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

College/Department Highlights

The Department of World Languages and Cultures explores our connections to people and communities through language and culture. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in World Languages and Cultures with major emphases in: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Linguistics, and Translation and Interpretation. The department also offers the Asian Studies BA and a range of language minors (including a Japanese minor) and interdisciplinary programs in languages and area studies. The department is also home to an online graduate program: Master of Science (MS) in Second Language Teaching.

The College of Arts & Sciences brings together the sciences, humanities, and arts as part of Utah State University’s land-grant mission. The College supports transformative learning, discovery, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines. Its faculty, staff, and students advance knowledge, promote innovation and artistic excellence, and engage with communities while preparing students to address future challenges and pursue their own academic and professional paths.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026