"Assistant Professor in Music Composition"

Job Details

The Department of Music invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Music Composition and Sound Practices, with an expected start date of July 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will pursue their own creative agenda, collaborate with faculty in the Department of Music and other areas of the Division of the Arts & Humanities and University, and teach in both the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, including composition lessons. The teaching load for tenure-track positions is typically four courses per year on the quarter system. Additional responsibilities include advising at all levels of the program, and service on departmental and university committees.

Salary Range or Pay Grade: Assistant Professor: $88,000-110,000; This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. Detailed information can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Qualifications

We seek a composer with an active creative profile who can contribute to building the composition and sound practices program. Applicants must have professional experience that demonstrates the ability to be an effective teacher and mentor at the University. A terminal degree in composition or a related field, and experience working in a college or university context, is required. Candidates should have interest in working in a department with both an artistic and a scholarly focus.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/174560 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 27, 2025:

• CV
• Cover Letter addressing work as a composer and teacher
• A PDF with links to scores and/or recordings (audio or audio/video) of three (3) recent representative works, with a single-paragraph artist statement for each work. The file may link to individual works, an online folder containing all three works, or a website which presents the submitted works on one page.
• The names and contact information of three recommenders who may be asked to provide letters on behalf of the applicant

Applicants will be asked to provide a creative research statement, a teaching statement, and other additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Emili Hansen at ekhansen2@uchicago.edu.

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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 equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.