Museum Studies Lecturer | Waco, TX

Lecturer in Museum Studies 
Baylor University

Position description 

The Department of Museum Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor University seeks a Lecturer in Museum Studies to start in August 2023. Courses taught might include 1) an introductory undergraduate class; 2) a graduate seminar in museum education, one of the core courses in the graduate program; and 3) advanced undergraduate and graduate classes in the candidate’s area of specialization. The latter might include (but are not limited to) informal learning, public programming, evaluation and assessment, and visitor studies.  

Classes in the department tend to be small; professors and students get to know each other very well. The two-year graduate program usually has 9-11 students in each cohort, so that there are usually around 20 students on campus. In addition, the department has recently reactivated its undergraduate major and created a group of 4+1 programs that will allow Baylor students to complete their undergraduate BA and a master’s in museum studies in five years. Our partners in these programs include the departments of American studies, anthropology, art and art history, history, and journalism. In addition to three full-time faculty the department has recruited museum professionals to serve as adjunct lecturers; they hold positions at the Mayborn Museum (our home base) and other museums in Waco and central Texas. 

Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is the oldest college in Texas. With a population of 21,000 diverse students, Baylor is one of the top universities in the nation, having been named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification in January 2022. Baylor is also on the honor roll of “Great Colleges to Work For” from The Chronicle of Higher Education. Baylor offers competitive salaries and benefits while giving faculty and staff the chance to live in one of the fastest growing areas of the state. Our strategic plan, Illuminate, guides the University as we continue to live up to Baylor’s mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. 

Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, pregnancy status, military service, genetic information, and disability. As a religious educational institution, Baylor is lawfully permitted to consider an applicant’s religion as a selection criterion. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. 

Salary range: $60,000-70,000 with a strong package of benefits. 

Qualifications 

The Department of Museum Studies at Baylor takes a generalist approach, making sure that all students learn the principles of administration, collection, and education, and become familiar with all different types of museums and related cultural institutions and their evolution to their present state. The department has strong commitments both to academia and the museum profession. Students have many opportunities to gain professional experience through student employment and volunteering opportunities and are also eligible to attend the Texas Association of Museums annual meeting or other academic or professional conferences. 

The candidate should have at least a master’s degree in a discipline associated with museums and/or museum studies; a doctoral degree is preferred. In addition, the candidate should have substantial experience in the museum field, either full-time or in a consulting role. 

Application instructions 

To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be submitted by January 9, 2023. All applicants must upload the following materials into Interfolio: a cover letter (explaining their qualifications and their personal philosophy, particularly as it relates to museums and to teaching at the university level), a current curriculum vitae, a copy of the official transcript of their highest degree earned, contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for three professional or academic references, and a statement discussing the evolution of their religious faith. An official transcript of their highest degree earned will be required for all finalists. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. 

To learn more about the position, the Department of Museum Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Baylor University, please visit https://www.baylor.edu/museum_studies/. Please contact Dr. Kenneth Hafertepe (Kenneth_Hafertepe@baylor.edu ) with any questions.