Instructional Professor in the Social Sciences Core (Open Rank)

The Social Sciences Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago is now accepting applications for a full-time Instructional Professor who will teach in the Social Sciences Core sequences “Classics of Social and Political Thought” (CSPT) and “Democracy: Equality, Liberty, and the Dilemmas of Self-Government” (Democracy). The appointment is renewable, with an initial term of at least two years, beginning September 1, 2023. Appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or full Instructional Professor will be considered based on the candidate’s experience. More information about the Social Sciences Core can be viewed in the College’s online catalog: http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/socialsciences/ .

The Instructional Professor will teach six quarter-length courses in the Social Sciences Core each academic year. The course assignment will be determined by the Core’s staffing needs and may include sections of both CSPT and Democracy or sections of just one sequence in a given quarter or year. In most years, the Instructional Professor will teach two courses per quarter. The Instructional Professor’s teaching assignment for 2023-24 is expected to be six sections of Democracy and may be distributed unevenly across the three academic quarters.

In addition to teaching, the Instructional Professor will contribute to the ongoing development of the Core’s curriculum. The successful candidate will be required to participate actively in weekly staff meetings, attend other course-related events, and hold regular office hours.  

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the University.

The position requires a Ph.D. in a social science discipline and is open to applicants who will have completed all requirements for their Ph.D. no later than August 31, 2023. Applicants must have a record of teaching canonical texts in the history of social and political theory at the college level, preferably in courses that engage students in close reading and discussion.

To apply for this position, you must submit your application through the University of Chicago ‘s Interfolio job board at apply.interfolio.com/122746   and upload the following: 1) a letter of application describing your academic interests and teaching background; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as student evaluations or performance reviews; 4) a teaching statement; 5) a chapter-length piece of writing; and 6) three letters of recommendation. Only complete applications will be considered.

The review of applications will begin on April 16, 2023, and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Position contingent upon budget approval.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity .

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request.