Assistant Professor in Music Theory in Edmonton

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applications will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Music in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Music Theory. We seek a versatile music theorist with a strong generalist background, alongside specialized areas of expertise at the intersection of music technology, computational methods, and analytical engagement with western and non-western musics, cultural discourses, and listening practices (e.g. post-tonal, popular, experimental and electronic/electroacoustic music, analytical approaches to timbre and aural perception, technologically engaged approaches to music scholarship, digital humanities, and sound studies). The ideal candidate will contribute dynamically to our core undergraduate music theory and ear training curriculum while expanding our upper-level and graduate offerings to reflect their areas of research specialty and expertise.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Pedagogy
• Teach core undergraduate courses in music theory, counterpoint, analysis, and musicianship/aural skills.
• Develop and teach innovative upper-level undergraduate and graduate seminars to reflect their areas of research specialty and expertise.
• Supervise graduate thesis research (M.Mus., M.A., Ph.D., or D.Mus.) and advise undergraduate independent projects.
• Contribute to curriculum modernization that integrates digital technologies and global theoretical perspectives alongside foundational music literacy.
• Research & Scholarly / Creative Activity
• Maintain an active and nationally/internationally recognized program of research, publication, or peer-reviewed creative scholarship in music theory.
• Pursue external research funding (e.g., SSHRC Insight/Insight Development Grants or equivalent).
• Intersect music theory with digital media, computational analysis, or technology-assisted scholarship while engaging with diverse music traditions or contemporary practice.
• Service & Community Engagement
• Participate in departmental, faculty, and university governance and committee work.
• Contribute to student recruitment, advising, and departmental outreach.
• Participate actively in broader professional music theory organizations (e.g., Society for Music Theory, Canadian University Music Society).

Required

• Education: A Ph.D. in Music Theory, or another relevant degree, completed by the date of appointment (ABD candidates near completion may be considered).
• Teaching: Demonstrated evidence of excellence (or strong potential for excellence) in teaching core undergraduate music theory.
• Generalist Foundation: Capacity to teach core analytical skills.
• Specialized Expertise: Demonstrated research or pedagogical strength in music technology (e.g., software-based analysis, computational musicology, audio/signal analysis, acoustic ecology, digital sound theory, or media theory); Scholarship: Evidence of an emerging record of peer-reviewed publication or creative scholarship commensurate with a tenure-track appointment.

Preferred

• Research specialization in contemporary practices (e.g., post-1945 art music, popular music genres, experimental media, or contemporary global sound arts);
• Demonstrated interest in integrating equity, diversity, and decolonial frameworks into music theory pedagogy;
• Experience with graduate student mentorship and thesis supervision.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package. The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The University of Alberta is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.