The Department of Middle Eastern Studies invites applications for a position as Instructional Professor (open rank) in modern Hebrew language to help grow its existing program. 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 expected start date of the position is September 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 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.

The Modern Hebrew Program at the University of Chicago serves the needs of a range of students on campus, including heritage speakers with a variety of backgrounds, as well as students in the College, the MA programs, and the PhD programs. The program offers three years of coursework that enables students to progress in reading, speaking, listening, and writing Modern Hebrew. The emphasis is on contemporary usage and the cultural context within which the language is spoken. The program also provides opportunities for students to gain skills for conducting academic research in modern Hebrew, such as accessing and reading materials from historic press and reading scholarship in Hebrew.

Responsibilities for the Instructional Professor position include both teaching and service duties. Teaching consists of seven courses across three quarters, at least five of which are in modern Hebrew, at all levels of the language. Two additional courses may include non-language courses in the College Core or in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. Service duties may include coordination of the Hebrew Language Circle, Conversation Table, or other program-specific duties. The successful candidate will also participate in training for Reading Exam test development. 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 prior experience teaching Modern Hebrew language at the college or post-secondary level. An M.A. degree or equivalent is required. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency for teaching modern Hebrew in a university context, e.g., through an ACTFL-certified result at the Superior level or higher, or through receipt of an advanced degree earned in a Hebrew-language context.

Preferred qualifications include:

• experience teaching or working with Hebrew sources in academic contexts is preferable.
• a Ph.D. in the humanities, social sciences, or a related field.
• specialized training in second language acquisition, second language pedagogy, and/or assessment.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following materials to the University of Chicago’s recruitment website at http://apply.interfolio.com/164671 by 10:59pm Central Time/11:59pm Eastern Time on April 7, 2025. 

• CV
• Cover letter
• Teaching statement
• One sample syllabus for elementary modern Hebrew
• One sample syllabus for a non-language course
• Sample course evaluations
• Contact information for three references

Applicants may be asked to provide additional materials following the initial review of applications. Questions may be directed to Na’ama Rokem at nrokem@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/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.