UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
School of Information Sciences
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Early Literacies

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks to hire outstanding faculty members to join our dynamic and collegial iSchool. We invite applications for at least one faculty position in Early Literacies at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor.

Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a promising and innovative record of scholarship in early literacy, as well as those who connect theory and practice, particularly in relation to libraries, community and public engagement, and/or digital and other information environments. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to, the role of libraries in shaping policy and advocacy for emergent literacy, the information behaviors of young children and their caregivers, multilingualism and early literacies, library-based early learning initiatives, and digital and information literacies in early childhood. Ideal candidates will have expertise in early literacy development in connection with libraries, community organizations, and home-based settings, and/or through early intervention and disability services. A demonstrated commitment to empowering, accessible, and effective literacy practices that meet the needs of all children and families is essential.

We seek applicants who will thrive in an interdisciplinary academic unit at one of the nation’s premier land-grant research universities. Successful candidates must exhibit the potential to conduct world-class research, teach effectively in undergraduate, professional, and doctoral programs, and contribute to our mission of service and community engagement.

At the iSchool at Illinois, we employ methods from across the disciplines to grapple with society’s most urgent challenges related to information, its practices, and technologies. Our faculty members are highly interdisciplinary, with backgrounds in information science, philosophy, history, psychology, political science, cognitive science, engineering, computer science, library science, literature, medieval studies, and sociology. The iSchool has four active research centers and an ever-growing number of labs in which faculty and students work together on their cutting-edge research projects: ischool.illinois.edu/research.

The iSchool at Illinois is home to the top-ranked professional master’s program in library and information science, which offers an award-winning online enrollment option, as well as joint degrees with History, Law, African Studies, and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. We also offer professional master’s programs in information management and bioinformatics, a certificate of advanced study, a licensure program in school librarianship, as well as an exciting STEM-designated undergraduate degree that reimagines a liberal arts education for a global information society. The iSchool’s doctoral program, established in 1948, is the oldest of its kind. More information can be found at: ischool.illinois.edu.

These are full-time, tenure-track faculty positions, appointed on a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. The anticipated start date for appointments made under this announcement is 16 August 2026. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant field by the time of appointment.

The targeted salary ranges for these positions is $105,000-$130,000 at the Assistant Professor level, $115,000-$145,000 at the Associate Professor level, and $140,000-$200,000 at the Professor level. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

To apply, please submit a cover letter of about two pages that discusses your interest in and suitability for this position, a CV, statements of research and teaching of about two pages each, and the contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation will only be solicited for candidates who are invited to campus for an interview. Applications received by December 15, 2025 will receive full consideration. Applications must be submitted through the University of Illinois Job Board online at jobs.illinois.edu. Interviews may occur on a rolling basis. Review of applications will continue until suitable candidates are identified.

The University of Illinois has an active and successful dual-career partner placement program, a strong commitment to work-life balance, and a range of family-friendly programs. More information about these and other benefits can be found at go.illinois.edu/workatillinois.

For further information regarding this search, please contact the chair of the committee, Carol Tilley, ctilley@illinois.edu. Questions about the application process should be directed to the iSchool’s Office of Human Resources at ischool-hr@illinois.edu or 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.