University of Chicago, Department of Middle Eastern Studies

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Pre-Modern History of the Islamicate Middle East or Central Asia

Position Type: Tenure-track, Assistant Professor

Expected Start Date: July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter

Application Deadline: October 19, 2026
Time: 10:59 PM Central Time / 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Field / Area of Research:
The position focuses on the pre-modern history of the Islamicate Middle East or Central Asia. The department welcomes historians whose research addresses the social, political, economic, or intellectual history of Muslim/Islamic societies during the Late Antique to Early Modern Periods (approximately 600–1700 CE).

Qualifications:

• Excellent command of either Classical Arabic or Persian is required.
• Research competency in an additional Middle Eastern/Central Asian language is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• PhD in a relevant field must be completed before the start of the appointment.
• Evidence of original, independent research with publications in leading scholarly venues, or strong potential for such contributions.

Salary:
$90,000–$120,000 for a nine-month academic appointment paid over twelve months. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Research statement
• Writing sample
• Names and contact information of three recommenders

Applicants may be asked to provide a teaching statement and additional materials following the initial review.

Application:
Apply through the University of Chicago recruitment website:
https://apply.interfolio.com/190288

About the Position:
The University of Chicago’s Department of Middle Eastern Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in the pre-modern history of the Islamicate Middle East or Central Asia. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to research and teaching on the history of Muslim/Islamic societies from approximately 600 to 1700 CE, with particular emphasis on social, political, economic, or intellectual history.