School of Architecture and Design, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, American University of Beirut
Tenure-Track Position in History/ Theory of Art and Architecture in the Islamic World
The School of Architecture & Design (SoAD) of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in History/ Theory of Art and Architecture in the Islamic World with a Focus on the Arab Region. The position is open at the assistant or associate professor level, depending on qualifications and experience.
The successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in the history of architecture, art history, or a closely related field by the time of appointment and possess a strong record—or demonstrated potential—of scholarly research and publication. They should have teaching experience in art or architectural history, preferably employing innovative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary pedagogies. The candidate is also expected to demonstrate expertise in the history and theory of architecture or art in the Middle East and/or the Arab world, and be fluent in English, the language of instruction at AUB. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with regional archives, relevant languages, and/or fieldwork experience in the Middle East or Arab world, along with engagement in contemporary debates surrounding heritage, preservation, and postcolonial theory. Candidates with a developing or established international research profile will be particularly well regarded.
We seek a scholar whose work critically engages the histories and theories of architecture and the built environment in the Islamic World, with an emphasis on the Arab region. The successful candidate will teach required and elective courses in architectural history, theory, and material culture at undergraduate and graduate levels, contributing to the school’s interdisciplinary and research-driven approach to design education.
We welcome candidates with a historically grounded yet critically innovative approach to architectural and visual culture. Areas of specialization may include (but are not limited to): pre-modern and Islamic art/architecture, colonial and postcolonial urbanism, modernism in the Middle East, heritage and preservation, or visual and material cultures of the region.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to advancing decolonial and postcolonial perspectives and scholarship from the Global South, positioning the school as a leader in critical architectural histories. The new faculty member will also collaborate closely with design faculty to integrate historical and theoretical insights into design studios and pedagogy, enriching students’ understanding of context and critical thinking. The position offers opportunities for collaboration across the university with programs in Arab and Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, Urban Planning, History, Anthropology, and Fine Arts.
Applications must include a cover letter outlining research interests, teaching experience, and academic goals, a complete curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), a writing sample (e.g., journal article, book chapter, or dissertation excerpt), and names and contact details of three academic references. The application should be sent by email to msfea@aub.edu.lb, and addressed to the Dean, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut.
Consideration of the received applications will begin as of January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The proposed starting date for the position is September 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The American University of Beirut is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
AUB’s homepage is at: www.aub.edu.lb
MSFEA’s homepage is at: www.aub.edu.lb/msfea
SoAD’s homepage is at: https://www.aub.edu.lb/msfea/ard/Pages/default.aspx
