Instructional Professor (Open Rank) in Linguistics and Cognitive Science
Position Description
The Department of Linguistics invites applications for a position as an Instructional Professor (open rank) in Linguistics and Cognitive Science with an expected start date of September 1, 2026, 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 educational background. 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 5-6 courses per year on the quarter system. Possible courses include, but are not limited to, “Cognitive Models,” “Quantitative Research Methods,” “Psycholinguistics,” “Language Processing,” “Language and Memory,” “Mind, Brain and Meaning,” “Contemporary Topics in Cognitive Science,” and “Artificial Intelligence.” Service duties may include advising undergraduate theses, teaching independent studies, 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:
$75,676-$81,729; Associate Instructional Professor:
$81,730-$88,459; Instructional Professor:
$88,460-$98,000 (academic year 2026-2027). 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 must have a PhD in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related field completed prior to the start of the appointment, and experience teaching at the university or post-secondary level. We especially seek applicants with experience teaching and/or the ability to teach computational cognitive modeling of language and other cognitive processes.
Application Instructions
Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at
apply.interfolio.com/177960 by
10:59 PM Central Time/11:59 PM Eastern Time on
January 5, 2026:
· CV
· Cover letter
· Teaching statement
· Sample syllabi
· Contact information for three references
Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Chris Kennedy at
ck@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.
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 with their request.
