Lecturer of Japanese Language

DepartmentWorld Languages
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences do not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. As a university community, we are proud to have earned the federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and to work at the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department of World Languages
The Department of World Languages at MSU Denver prepares students to communicate across languages and cultures while developing a deeper understanding of the diverse communities and perspectives that shape our world. The department offers programs and courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and American Sign Language, with academic offerings that include majors, minors, certificates, micro-credentials, and General Studies courses. Through the study of language, culture, and literature, students develop linguistic proficiency, intercultural awareness, and skills that support their academic, professional, and personal goals. The department is committed to student-centered teaching and provides opportunities for learning beyond the classroom through study abroad, student organizations, and other forms of academic and cultural engagement. Faculty work collaboratively across language programs to support students, strengthen curricula, and ensure that programs continue to respond to the needs of MSU Denver’s diverse student population and an increasingly interconnected world.
Position Summary
The Department of World Languages at MSU Denver invites applications for a full-time, lecturer position in Japanese to begin in August 2027. This position is a non tenure track, 9 month (renewable) faculty position that will also serve as the Language Coordinator. Presence in Colorado is required as the successful candidate will be expected to teach courses both on campus and online and to maintain regular on-campus office hours on our Auraria campus.
Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate courses in Japanese at the annual academic-year load of 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent. Teaching assignments include both on-campus and online courses.
The Japanese program currently offers a minor in Japanese and is affiliated with the University’s Asian Studies minor. The department’s 1000-level Japanese courses, JPS 1010 and JPS 1020, are included in the University’s General Studies program. The successful candidate will contribute to the continued development and delivery of these curricula and programs.
Candidates have the opportunity to negotiate a reduction in teaching load in order to perform foundational advisement for students in the Japanese minor and assist with program development, recruiting for, and administration of study abroad programs offered through the Department of World Languages.
The successful candidate will work closely with faculty teaching other languages within the Department of World Languages. The position requires active participation in departmental coordination, curricular and program development or redevelopment as needed, and other activities supporting the department’s language programs.
The successful candidate will also serve as faculty advisor for the Japanese Club, a student organization, and support its activities and engagement with students.
Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population, including (but not limited to) students of color, LGBTQIA students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English-language learners.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Japanese, Japanese Studies, Japanese language pedagogy, or a related/equivalent field. Candidates with an equivalent graduate degree and significant experience teaching and/or coordinating Japanese language programs in higher education may also be considered
Native or near-native fluency in Japanese, as well as English
Ability and willingness to teach both on-campus and online courses and to maintain a regular on-campus presence
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty across the Department of World Languages and to participate actively in program development and redevelopment
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree in Japanese, Japanese Studies, Japanese language pedagogy, or a closely related field
Evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching, including delivery of general education courses and the ability to teach about ethnic minorities
Experience in proficiency-based language instruction
Experience teaching Japanese at the college or university level
Experience with language-program coordination, curriculum development, student advising, or related administrative responsibilities in higher education
Interest and capability in integrating new and emerging learning and instructional technologies into the teaching environment and service-learning opportunities
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our department, our mission, and the University.
Salary for Announcement
The salary range for this faculty position is $53,000 - $58,000 at Lecturer level. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training.
MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Conditions of Appointment
MSU Denver does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.
Instructions to Apply
To apply, please complete an application online through our career site and search for JR105995: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers.
To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please include the following required documents with your application:
Curriculum vitae
Cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position and interest in the role
Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students)
Important Note