Instructional Professor (open-rank) in Tamil Language at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

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 2025-26 with an expected start date of September 1, 2025 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 related to the culture or history of Tamil-speaking areas, 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: $73,117 - $78,965; Associate Instructional Professor: $78,966 - $85,468; Instructional Professor: $85,469 - $95,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.


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 Tamil at the post-secondary level, preferably at a North American institution. An MA degree or equivalent is required, with a PhD in a related field preferred. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient language ability for teaching Tamil in a university context and be able to offer College-level courses on Tamil culture in English. Candidates with specialized training in second language acquisition, second language pedagogy, and/or assessment are especially encouraged to apply.



Application Instructions



Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago's recruitment website at http://apply.interfolio.com/164197. Review of applications will begin on March 28, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled or the posting is closed.


• 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 salc@uchicago.edu.


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.