Assistant Professor of Media Sciences

Description

The Department of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in American Cinema and/or Television, with an expected start date of July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Areas of expertise can be mainstream, independent, experimental, animated, and nonfiction cinema and/or television from any time period, from the silent era to the present. Research topics may include but are not limited to form, style, and genre; labor and industrial practices; race, gender, and ethnicity; and networks, platforms, and data.

The selected candidate will pursue their own research agenda, collaborate with faculty in the Department of Cinema and Media Studies and other areas of the Division of the Arts & Humanities and University, and teach in both the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. 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: $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

Candidate should have an active research agenda resulting in publication in leading venues in their field or the potential to develop such a publication record. They should have the ability or potential to be an excellent teacher in introductory and required courses in cinema and media theory and history, as well as in the University’s Core curriculum, and to direct doctoral theses.

All requirements for receipt of a PhD in a relevant field must be 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/190975 by 10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 19, 2026. Only complete applications can be considered.

• Cover letter
• CV
• A writing sample of article or chapter length
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• The names and contact information of three recommenders

Following the initial review of applications, selected applicants will be asked to provide additional materials. Questions may be directed to Kina Thornton at smthornton@uchicago.edu with the subject line ASSISTANT PROFESSOR SEARCH.

This position is contingent upon budgetary approval.

The University of Chicago is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877) 997-8807.