About the role
Instructional Professor (open-rank) in Tamil Language
Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, Division of the Arts & Humanities
Position Type: Other Academic Appointee
Salary Range: $77,946-100,000 (dependent upon appointment rank); base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months
Chicago, IL
Sep 28, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026
Description
The Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago invites applications for a position as an Instructional Professor (open-rank) in Tamil to help grow its existing offerings in South Asian languages. The position begins in the academic year 2027-28 with an expected start date of September 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The selected candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Instructional Professor, Associate Instructional Professor, or Instructional Professor, depending on qualifications and experience. The initial appointment is for a minimum of 2 years, with longer initial terms possible depending on qualifications and initial rank. Review and progression schedule are determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union.
Responsibilities include both teaching and service duties. Teaching normally consists of seven courses across three quarters, six of which are Tamil language courses at all levels of the language. One additional course per year may be a non-language course on a topic related to the culture or history of Tamil-speaking areas, proposed by the Instructional Professor, or a course in the College Core. Service duties may include advising undergraduate theses, creating and overseeing Tamil placement exams and graduate language exams, teaching independent studies, engaging in outreach to build interest in the Tamil program, or other program-specific duties. Instructional Professors of all ranks are required to engage in regular professional development.
Salary Range or Pay Grade:
Assistant Instructional Professor: $77,946 - $84,181; Associate Instructional Professor: $84,182 - $91,113; Instructional Professor: $91,114 - $100,000. 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, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Qualifications
Applicants must have previous experience teaching at the post-secondary level. An MA degree or equivalent is required, with a PhD in a related field preferred. Preferred qualifications include experience teaching Tamil at the post-secondary level, experience teaching at a North American institution, training in second-language pedagogy, and/or familiarity with current approaches to second-language pedagogy.
Application Instructions
Applicants must have previous experience teaching at the post-secondary level. An MA degree or equivalent is required, with a PhD in a related field preferred. Preferred qualifications include experience teaching Tamil at the post-secondary level, experience teaching at a North American institution, training in second-language pedagogy, and/or familiarity with current approaches to second-language pedagogy.
Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/194479 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 28, 2026:
· CV
· Cover letter
· Teaching statement
· One sample syllabus for Introductory Tamil
· One sample syllabus for a non-language course
· Names and contact information for three references who can supply letters of recommendation upon request
Optional:
· Course evaluations, if available
Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union. This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.
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 [email protected] with their request.
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
How to apply
Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.