The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago invites applications for a tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor, in the Pre-Modern History of the Islamicate Middle East or Central Asia, with an expected start date of July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. We invite applications from historians whose research focuses on the social, political, economic, or intellectual history of Muslim/Islamic societies within the Late Antique to Early Modern Periods (approx. 600–1700, C.E.).
The teaching load for tenure-track positions is typically four courses per year on the quarter system, with courses ranging from introductory surveys to advanced seminars in the department and including courses in the University of Chicago’s Core curriculum. Additional responsibilities include advising at all levels of the program and service on departmental and university committees.
Salary Range or Pay Grade:
Assistant Professor: $90,000-$120,000; 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:
The successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability and/or potential to carry out original independent research in the areas of the search, resulting in publications in leading venues which make or have the potential to make significant contributions to the relevant scholarly field(s).
- Excellent command of either Classical Arabic or Persian required.
- Research competency in an additional Middle Eastern/Central Asian language highly desirable (Arabic, Perisan, Turkic languages, or other relevant language)
- Demonstrated ability or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and ability to teach a wide range of courses successfully.
- All requirements for receipt of a PhD in a relevant field completed prior to the start of the appointment.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at apply.interfolio.com/190288 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 19, 2026
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Writing sample
- 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 teaching statement and other additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Salma Abdulkader at sabdulkader@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
