Assistant Professor - Music Theory (Music)

SUMMARY

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music is seeking candidates for an Assistant Professor of Music Theory. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to SFA’s undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching, scholarship, and service. The successful candidate will teach four classes (or the equivalent) per long term (fall and spring). The teaching assignment combines undergraduate theory and aural skills courses, graduate theory courses, and direction of master’s theses. This will likely include asynchronous online courses at the graduate level, given that SFA offers many concentrations of the Master of Music degree (including music theory and composition) online. We welcome candidates with specializations in any area of music theory, but especially those with sufficient experience in popular music to expand our current course offerings.

Located in the city of Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public regional university nestled among the pine trees of East Texas. Music majors account for roughly 450 of the university’s 10,000 enrolled students. Serving both undergraduate and master’s students, the School of Music offers degree programs in music education, composition, conducting, performance, sound recording technology, and music theory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in music theory (or related field) in hand by August 2027.
• 2 years of collegiate teaching experience, including experience as a graduate teaching assistant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to design and deliver in-person and online courses (especially in popular music).
• Growing reputation as a scholar of music theory.
• 3 years of collegiate teaching as instructor of record.
• Keyboard proficiency suitable for classroom instruction.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Please upload the following documents.

1. Letter of application that addresses teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and research interests.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial transcripts for all degrees
4. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three professional references who are familiar with your teaching and scholarship. (Do not send letters.)
5. Link to a teaching video (an excerpt no longer than 20 minutes)
6. Sample of scholarly writing (1 journal article or 1 chapter. Do not send more.)

Review of applications begins on December 15th.

Please direct questions regarding the position to the search committee chair, Dr. Samantha Inman (inmans@sfasu.edu).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Safety Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.

Sponsorship Statement

In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 1/2 months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

For resources regarding retirement and benefits, navigate to the University of Texas System Employee Benefit page.

Additional benefits for SFA employees are detailed on the SFA Benefits page.