Department

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: Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the "Resume/Cover letter" section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Priority will be given to applications received through December 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Posting Representative Email

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.