University of Nebraska at Kearney

Lecturer or Assistant Professor
Job Description

Job Summary:

The Modern Languages Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is seeking a Lecturer or Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in the areas of Spanish for Specific Purposes (e.g. Spanish for Healthcare) and Intermediate Spanish. Depending on qualifications and experience, the candidate may also teach graduate courses in our MAEd in Spanish Education and undergraduate courses in Spanish Linguistics/Sociolinguistics, Heritage Spanish, and/or Translation and Interpretation. Candidates at the level of Assistant Professor should have an active research agenda in Applied Linguistics or an adjacent fieldThe successful candidate will engage in student advising along with service activities serving the department, college, university, community, and/or discipline. This is an onsite position, and the successful candidate will be expected to work at the Kearney campus.

Required Qualifications:

Doctoral degree (for appointment as Assistant Professor) or Master’s (for appointment as Lecturer) in Spanish, Applied Linguistics, Translation and Interpretation, or related field. Experience in teaching Spanish for Specific Purposes. ABD applicants with an expected completion date prior to August 2026 will be considered. Candidates must demonstrate teaching excellence and a record of scholarship commensurate with years of experience and appointment rank. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to teach onlineface-to-face, and blended coursesExperience in teaching with communicative, task-based, and proficiency-oriented methods. Experience in teaching Spanish for Heritage Learners and/or Translation and Interpretation.

About Us:

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. As part of the University of Nebraska system, UNK offers a supportive, student-focused environment with the resources of a larger institution. Located in central Nebraska, UNK serves around 6,000 students and is known for its strong academics, welcoming campus culture, and dedication to student success. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives. 
 
As a University of Nebraska employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and wellness programs—plus 13 paid holidays each year, generous leave options, and tuition remission. 

Information at a Glance
Req Id:  2199
Campus Name:  University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK)
Org Unit:  Modern Languages UNK
Job Location:  Kearney, NE 68847
Application Review Date:  4/7/26
Open Until Filled:  Yes
Advertised Salary:  $45,000-$60,000 - Depending on rank
Job Type:  Full-Time
Faculty Appointment:  Specific Term (tenure-leading)
Worksite Eligibility:  On-site
Benefits Eligible:  Yes
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:  Dr. Jonathan Dettman at dettmanjc@unk.edu
Special Instructions to Applicant:  Submit CV, cover letter, contact information for three reference, and unofficial transcripts.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

Posting Start Date:  3/17/26