Assistant Professor, Musicology​/Ethnomusicology UC College-Conservatory of Music

Current UC employees must apply internally via Success Factors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more .

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a nationally prominent comprehensive college for the performing and media arts, seeks an experienced musicologist/ethnomusicologist specializing in urban popular music/dance and community engagement to teach in a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor appointment, intended to begin August 15, 2026.

About the Department

CCM's Division of Composition, Musicology, and Theory fosters a learning environment in which civility, inclusiveness and a commitment to critical thinking converge with the practical application of learning to our urban context in Cincinnati and the world beyond. In their scholarship and teaching, ethnomusicology and musicology faculty use a wide range of methodologies to approach music repertoires and traditions both within and beyond the Eurocentric concert music canon.

The program blends musicological and ethnomusicological coursework on a diverse range of topics as core and elective classes for BA, BM, MM, DMA, and PhD students.

CCM values excellence in teaching, innovation in curriculum, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of students seeking to explore a range of opportunities and careers in a rapidly changing marketplace. CCM faculty are committed to recruiting, mentorship, career preparation, and student support. CCM encourages an inquisitive, collaborative spirit and expertise in a broad and diverse range of areas.

The department is seeking to enhance its current offerings with candidates who have research, teaching, or performance interests in a related field reflective of the future job market. This could include but is not limited to areas such as community engagement, entrepreneurship, industry engagement, and/or arts leadership.

Essential Functions

• Teach core undergraduate and graduate courses in musicology and ethnomusicology.
• Develop original courses in the candidate's field of popular music/dance specialization, including courses focused on artistic engagement in urban communities.
• Lead performance ensembles, which may be CCM sponsored and open to the public or may be community-sponsored and include CCM students.
• Develop community partnerships that enhance outreach, student participation in the community, research, and engagement.
• Maintain an active program of research and scholarly publication.
• Advise and mentor student research, including independent studies and doctoral dissertations, in areas appropriate to candidate's expertise
• Recruit students of exceptional promise
• Serve the college and university community through activities such as committee membership, academic advising, and mentorship of students

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, all of the following are required:

A PhD in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, or a related discipline.

One (1) academic year of experience with performance-based community engagement, as evidenced by participation in any performing group that foregrounds community culture, heritage, history, practice, or values.

Research expertise in a form of popular music/dance as evidenced by either a doctoral dissertation, at least one research publication, or at least one formal research presentation.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit their materials electronically by accessing the University of Cincinnati's Recruitment site (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and searching for position number 100472. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a current CV, link(s) to relevant research output and evidence of performance-based community engagement. We will not accept physical media.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support…