INSTITUTE ON THE FORMATION OF KNOWLEDGE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER AT THE RANK OF INSTRUCTOR

The Institute on the Formation of Knowledge at the University of Chicago invites applications for Postdoctoral Researchers at the Rank of Instructor, to begin on August 1, 2024. Postdoctoral Researchers will join a community of leading scholars from across the University to study the process of knowledge formation and transmittal from antiquity to the present day and to explore how histories and cultures shape our modern world. We welcome applicants from any field engaged in research related to the formation of knowledge, and are particularly interested in applicants working in nascent fields.   

This is a two-year position, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year. The position offers a salary of at least $65,000 per year, benefits, office space, pedagogical training, reimbursement of up to $2,500 for moving expenses, and a research allowance of $3,000 per year.

Institute Postdoctoral Researchers at the Rank of Instructor are expected, at the minimum, to:

• conduct their own research towards a book or other project;
• depending on teaching needs, teach 3 courses per year (UChicago is on the quarter system) designed to appeal to a wide group of students; these courses may be graduate, undergraduate, team-taught, in the Core, etc.;
• advise research and theses for MA students and undergraduates;
• participate in the Institute’s year-long Cultures and Knowledge Workshop Series (meeting 3-4X per quarter) and present their work in one of the workshop sessions;
• write a one-page post each year for the Institute blog, Formations, connecting their research to current affairs.
• submit an article based on research conducted during their Institute fellowship to KNOW: A Journal on the Formation of Knowledge; and,
• hone and document their teaching skills through engagement with UChicago resources such as IFK faculty and staff and the Chicago Center for Teaching and Learning (CCTL);

The Institute will arrange for faculty mentors and opportunities to forge personal and academic relationships across the University. Successful candidates will be appointed at the Institute, in addition to being affiliated with a relevant academic department(s). A shared office space will be provided and there is an expectation that Postdoctoral Researchers will participate in the life of the Institute.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must demonstrate current research interests that are related to the formation of knowledge and straddle multiple fields. We will evaluate applicants on the quality and quantity of publications, strength of writing sample, teaching, recommendations, a demonstrated ability to work beyond disciplinary constraints and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate must have a PhD before the start of the appointment, and must have received the Ph.D. in the last 6 years.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit the following application materials online via the Interfolio link:

1. a one-page cover letter explaining how your research relates to the formation of knowledge and transcends individual disciplines, and listing three examples of undergraduate and M.A./Ph.D. courses that you would be most interested to teach, 
2. an up-to-date c.v.,
3. a writing sample consisting of a chapter, essay, or article, and
4. the names and contact information of three references, at least one of whom should be able to attest to the quality of your teaching.

Recommendation letters will be requested from the references of short-listed candidates. Letters of reference will be solicited by the Institute after the search committee has reviewed the initial applications.

The reference list and application materials must be submitted via Interfolio by 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time, on October 30, 2023. Candidates who make the shortlist will be interviewed via Zoom, and candidates can expect to receive notice of the decision in December.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.