Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology,

RESPONSIBILITIES/POSITION SUMMARY: The Department of Music at the University of New Mexico invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology, to begin in August 2026. Applicants must hold a terminal degree in music (musicology, ethnomusicology, or a related field) by the time of appointment. For best consideration, all application materials must be received by November 3, 2025.

We seek a dynamic scholar whose research centers on ethnographic approaches to music, sound, and performance, with particular interest in candidates whose work engages with Indigenous music and/or sound practices and/or musical expressions of the U.S. Southwest. The Department is especially interested in a candidate whose expertise complements current faculty specializations. At UNM, the graduate program in "musicology" is broadly conceived, encompassing the traditional division of musicology and ethnomusicology.

The successful candidate will teach existing undergraduate and graduate courses in music- and sound-centered areas (including musicology, ethnomusicology, world music, music appreciation, music history, and music theory) for both majors and non-majors, as well as develop new courses and contribute additional offerings across the department's academic areas as needed. The normal teaching load for tenure-track faculty in the Department of Music is 3/2. They will also provide dedicated mentorship by serving on graduate advisory committees, directing master's theses in musicology, and supporting students' professional and academic development.

In addition, the new faculty will be expected to sustain an active and impactful research agenda, demonstrated through presentations at conferences as well as a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. They will collaborate with musicology faculty to strengthen the graduate program and curriculum and to deepen the impact of the Musicology Colloquium Series, serving in rotation as its coordinator. Further responsibilities include recruiting outstanding graduate students; fostering interdisciplinary partnerships across UNM-particularly with programs that emphasize the Southwest; and cultivating strong ties with the local community. We seek a colleague with a demonstrated commitment to advancing understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and supporting UNM's mission to serve local and global communities.

APPOINTMENT BEGINS: August 1, 2026.

Quarter-finalists will be notified by November 21, 2025, and asked to submit the following materials by December 15, 2025:

1.T Two samples of scholarly work: Original single-authored research, either published or unpublished. Candidates in the final stages of the doctoral program are strongly encouraged to submit dissertation work.

2. Professional references: Names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for 3-5 contacts.

3. Three letters of recommendation.

Semi-finalists will be invited to participate in a video interview via Zoom, and references will be contacted.

Finalists will be invited to the University of New Mexico for a campus interview where they will interview with the Search Committee, the Chair of the Department of Music, and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts; give a public research lecture; teach a portion or the entirety of a session in one of the department's current academic courses, and meet with UNM faculty, staff, and students.

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, and is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution and a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. New Mexico is a majority minority state and UNM's student population is among the most diverse in the country. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. UNM is located on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico - Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache - and their connection to this land remains significant. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A terminal degree in music (musicology, ethnomusicology, or a related field) fully completed by start of employment at UNM in August 2026.

2. A minimum of two years of college-level teaching experience, which may include service as a graduate instructor or teaching assistant.

3. A demonstrated record of research and scholarly activity in music, which may include participation in academic conferences, invited lectures, and research essays (e.g. dissertation work and/or published or unpublished texts).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Pedagogical excellence: Evidence of a strong teaching record and a demonstrated commitment to music- and sound-centered education and scholarship.

2. Student mentoring: Demonstrated commitment to mentoring students of different backgrounds and abilities.

3. Methodological approach: Scholarly expertise using music ethnography as primary methodology.

4. Research specialization: A clearly defined research agenda focused on Indigenous music and/or sound practices, and/or musical expressions from the U.S. Southwest.

5. Language competency: Competency with a language spoken in the U.S. Southwest besides English.

6. Collaboration, collegiality, and service: Evidence of the ability to work collaboratively and collegially, engage in teamwork, and undertake service roles within a multifaceted academic community.

7. Commitment to mission: A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.