The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as assistant professor in musicology, broadly defined to include the full range of music studies’ subdisciplines. Housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the department’s faculty includes composers, conductors and ensemble directors, performers, scholars, and sound engineers engaged in creative and collaborative practices in a liberal arts context. Our current academic faculty critically employ and teach methods from cultural studies, ethnomusicology, historical musicology, music theory, popular music studies, sound studies, and more. We seek a colleague with a robust research agenda, whose research complements our current strengths, and who is generating new knowledge in their field. Applicants with area expertise in queer studies, disability studies, or labor studies are especially encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from candidates whose work aligns with our departmental mission as outlined on our website (https://music.unc.edu/about/). The successful candidate will contribute to our MA/PhD program by teaching graduate students and work collaboratively on graduate student dissertation committees. They will also teach within our recently revised music curriculum (BA/BMus) (https://music.unc.edu/undergraduate/transformations-in-music-studies-at-carolina/) to include our required research-focused courses as well as in our large-enrollment general education courses. This position contains a 2-2 teaching load. Candidates must possess a record of research related to the study of music and/or sound and a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by the position start date.

The Department of Music at UNC-Chapel Hill offers a BMus and BA in Music and an MA and Ph.D. in Musicology for undergraduate and graduate students. Our educational mission is to teach music majors and non-majors, to connect the study of music to the larger understanding of the world, and to guide graduate students as researchers and teachers. We serve the public by presenting performances and academic lectures by students, faculty, and guest artists and scholars. We offer over one hundred concerts and recitals each year, and our facilities include a state-of-the-art auditorium with recording (audio and video) capabilities as well as lighting and sound systems. Our 60 full-time and part-time faculty teach approximately 2500 students during the academic year and another 200 during summer school. Through our teaching, research, and creative activities, we share music’s multiplicity of forms and meanings, connecting the study of music to the larger understanding of societies, and affirming music’s importance as an expression of humanity.

This is a full-time tenure track position. Responsibilities begin on July 1, 2026. The successful applicant will have an active research agenda; normally teach two (3 credit-hour) courses per semester; will be involved in our graduate program; and will have other standard non-teaching duties such as departmental, university, and professional service; graduate and undergraduate mentorship; and participation in our department’s vigorous intellectual and artistic life.

PhD in Musicology or related field

At least two years of undergraduate teaching and experience advising graduate students is preferred.

Applicants are asked to submit: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for four references. Letters of recommendation are not required at the time of application. The committee may solicit additional materials including letters of recommendation, one writing sample (a complete chapter or article, which may be in draft form), a research statement, and a teaching statement that addresses strategies candidates might use in a public university setting where students reflect socioeconomic and other varying characteristics across the state. Applications are due on November 19, 2025. This offer of appointment is also contingent on documentation of employment eligibility.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.