Why Join the University of Chicago?
The University of Chicago stands among the world’s premier research-intensive institutions, celebrated for its commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a vibrant culture of artistic innovation. Our campus is a nexus where scholars, scientists, artists, and thinkers converge to push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. As part of our thriving School of Arts & Sciences, the Department of Music offers a dynamic environment where tradition meets cutting‑edge technology, and where composers are empowered to explore new sonic territories through electronic and computer‑based media.
We are seeking a visionary composer‑educator who will enrich our composition curriculum, mentor the next generation of artists, and help shape a forward‑looking program that bridges theory, practice, and technological advancement. This open‑rank, tenure‑track position—available for immediate appointment—offers the flexibility of a remote work arrangement while maintaining deep ties to the University’s vibrant scholarly community.
Position Overview
Title: Open‑Rank Professor of Electronic & Computer Music Composition (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor)
Location: Remote (based in Chicago, IL, with occasional on‑site engagements as needed)
Employment Type: Tenure‑track, full‑time
Start Date: July 1 2024 (or the earliest mutually agreeable date)
Teaching Load: Four courses per academic year (undergraduate and graduate levels), supplemented by advising, mentorship, and service responsibilities.
We invite candidates with an active creative practice in electronic, computer, or digital music composition, a strong record of scholarly and artistic achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive pedagogy. The successful applicant will be appointed at a rank commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching & Curriculum Development
- Design and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses covering electronic composition, sound synthesis, algorithmic music, interactive media, and related topics.
- Integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI‑driven composition tools, virtual reality soundscapes) into the curriculum.
- Supervise student compositions, senior projects, and theses, providing constructive feedback and mentorship.
- Develop new programmatic initiatives that expand the department’s offerings in digital and interdisciplinary music creation.
- Research & Creative Activity
- Maintain an active compositional portfolio, producing works for concert performance, multimedia installations, and digital platforms.
- Seek external funding through grants, fellowships, and collaborations to support research and creative projects.
- Present scholarly work at conferences, festivals, and symposia, fostering the University’s reputation in contemporary music.
- Advising & Mentorship
- Guide graduate students in developing their artistic voice and professional trajectories.
- Participate in departmental advising, recruitment, and outreach initiatives to attract a diverse cohort of talented students.
- Service & Leadership
- Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees, especially those related to curriculum planning, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Play a role in shaping the future direction of the composition program, potentially assuming leadership positions such as Program Director.
Essential Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D., DMA, or equivalent) in Music Composition, Electronic Music, Computer Music, or a closely related field, or a demonstrable record of professional achievement comparable to a terminal degree.
- Evidence of a robust creative practice in electronic or computer music, including a portfolio of recent works (audio recordings, scores, or multimedia presentations).
- Peer‑reviewed publications, performances, or exhibitions that illustrate scholarly impact and artistic excellence.
- Documented teaching experience at the college or university level, with a focus on composition, technology‑enhanced music, or related subjects.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment that welcomes diverse perspectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience securing external research or creative grants (e.g., NEA, Fulbright, Mellon).
- Proficiency with industry‑standard software and hardware (e.g., Max/MSP, Pure Data, SuperCollider, Ableton Live, Reaper, custom scripting languages).
- Collaborative projects that intersect music with other disciplines such as visual arts, computer science, engineering, or media studies.
- Leadership roles in professional organizations, festivals, or community initiatives related to electronic or computer music.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds and to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into course design.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Artistic Vision: Ability to conceptualize and realize innovative compositions that leverage technology while maintaining musical integrity.
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of digital audio workstations, programming environments, and signal‑processing tools.
- Pedagogical Excellence: Skilled at translating complex technical concepts into accessible classroom experiences.
- Communication: Strong written and oral presentation abilities for both academic and public audiences.
- Collaboration: Experience working across disciplinary boundaries and with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Professionalism: Commitment to ethical scholarship, mentorship, and university service.
Compensation, Benefits, & Work‑Life Balance
The University of Chicago offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with rank and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
- Retirement savings plans with generous university matching contributions.
- Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays) and faculty sabbatical opportunities.
- Professional development funds for conference travel, research expenses, and continuing education.
- Access to state‑of‑the‑art recording studios, computing resources, and collaborative spaces (both virtual and on‑site).
- Flexible remote‑work policies, with occasional in‑person events to foster community connection.
Culture, Community, & Inclusion
At the University of Chicago, we pride ourselves on cultivating an environment where intellectual curiosity and creative risk‑taking flourish. Our department values:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships with the Computer Science Department, the Institute for the Study of Music, and numerous research centers.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Ongoing initiatives to recruit, retain, and support scholars from historically marginalized groups.
- Artistic Freedom: A community that encourages bold experimentation, critical discourse, and the exploration of new aesthetic frontiers.
- Mentorship Culture: A supportive network of faculty mentors committed to each other’s professional growth.
Career Advancement & Professional Growth
Faculty members are encouraged to pursue tenure‑track progression, with clear evaluation criteria tied to teaching excellence, scholarly output, and service contributions. The University provides:
- Structured mentorship programs for junior faculty.
- Regular workshops on pedagogical innovation, grant writing, and leadership development.
- Opportunities to lead interdisciplinary research clusters and secure large‑scale funding.
- Visibility through university‑wide performance series, digital showcases, and collaborations with external arts organizations.
Application Procedure
Prospective candidates should prepare the following materials and upload them via the University of Chicago Academic Recruitment portal:
- Curriculum Vitae detailing education, publications, performances, grants, and professional service.
- Cover Letter articulating your artistic vision, teaching philosophy, and how you will contribute to the department’s goals.
- Portfolio (PDF with hyperlinks) showcasing three recent representative works, including audio files, scores, and any relevant multimedia documentation.
- Three Letters of Recommendation (or contact information for recommenders, to be submitted upon request).
- Any additional supporting documents (e.g., teaching evaluations, grant award letters) may be requested after the initial review.
Review of applications will commence on September 29 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. The search is contingent upon budgetary approval.
For inquiries, please contact Sasha Schellenberg (email: [redacted]) with the subject line “COMPOSITION SEARCH – ELECTRONIC/COMPUTER MUSIC.” Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑834‑3988 or email the Office of Human Resources.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We actively seek candidates who will enhance the diversity of our faculty and contribute to a community that values freedom of expression, mutual respect, and inclusive excellence. Our institutional statements on diversity can be found here.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Electronic Music
If you are a passionate composer‑scholar ready to inspire students, push the boundaries of digital sound, and become an integral part of a world‑renowned institution, we encourage you to apply today. This is a unique opportunity to blend artistic innovation with academic leadership while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. Your voice will resonate not only within our classrooms but also across the broader community of contemporary music makers.
Take the Next Step
Submit your application now and embark on a rewarding career path that celebrates creativity, scholarship, and inclusive excellence at the University of Chicago.
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