Head of Depertment of Social Science (University of Chicago)

Employer: University of Chicago Library Location: Chicago, IL Appointment: Full-time, Benefits-eligible Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 + relocation allowance for qualifying expenses About the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center is the University of Chicago Library’s principal repository for rare books, manuscripts, and archives. It supports a broad community of scholars, students, and independent researchers through: On-site reading room consultation Classroom instruction using Special Collections Exhibitions and web exhibits Digital collections and academic/public events Special Collections forms part of the Library’s Distinctive Collections Division, providing a rich environment for research, teaching, and outreach. Position Overview Reporting to the Director of Special Collections, the Head of Research and Instruction provides leadership for: Special Collections public services, research, and instructional programs Management of the Reader Services Unit (4 FTE staff, 2 FTE students) Integration of Special Collections into teaching and research initiatives Development of innovative research tools and instructional resources (e.g., LibGuides, bibliographies) Library-wide committees and professional engagement locally, regionally, and nationally The role emphasizes high-quality, user-centered services, efficient operations, and creative outreach. Key Responsibilities Stay current with research trends, scholarly communication, and instructional methodologies relevant to Special Collections Collaborate with faculty, students, and colleagues to integrate collections into teaching and research Oversee public services spaces, circulation policies, and access to materials Supervise and mentor staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation Respond to on-site and remote research inquiries, providing expertise in advanced research methods Develop and maintain instructional and research tools to enhance access to Special Collections Participate in library-wide initiatives, committees, and professional organizations Required Qualifications MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent combination of library experience and an advanced degree Minimum 5 years experience providing research and instruction services for primary source materials Minimum 3 years supervisory experience Knowledge of current trends and methodologies in scholarship and teaching Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills Commitment to high-quality, user-focused services and understanding of research and teaching needs of Special Collections users Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in a humanities or social science discipline Experience with Atlas Systems Aeon circulation/workflow software Knowledge of the application of technology to research, teaching, and Special Collections operations Application Instructions To apply, submit online via University of Chicago Academic Recruiting: Cover letter Curriculum vitae Reference contact information Review of applications begins: February 7, 2026 Applications will continue to be screened until the position is filled or the search is closed. For assistance with Interfolio or questions, contact: help@interfolio.com or (877) 997-8807. Questions about the position may be directed to: libraryhr@uchicago.edu Benefits The University of Chicago provides comprehensive benefits including: Health, retirement, and paid time off Relocation allowance for qualifying expenses Detailed information available in the University of Chicago Benefits Guidebook If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

Employer: University of Chicago Library
Location: Chicago, IL
Appointment: Full-time, Benefits-eligible
Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 + relocation allowance for qualifying expenses

About the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center

The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center is the University of Chicago Library’s principal repository for rare books, manuscripts, and archives. It supports a broad community of scholars, students, and independent researchers through:

On-site reading room consultation
Classroom instruction using Special Collections
Exhibitions and web exhibits
Digital collections and academic/public events

Special Collections forms part of the Library’s Distinctive Collections Division, providing a rich environment for research, teaching, and outreach.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections, the Head of Research and Instruction provides leadership for:

Special Collections public services, research, and instructional programs
Management of the Reader Services Unit (4 FTE staff, 2 FTE students)
Integration of Special Collections into teaching and research initiatives
Development of innovative research tools and instructional resources (e.g., LibGuides, bibliographies)
Library-wide committees and professional engagement locally, regionally, and nationally

The role emphasizes high-quality, user-centered services, efficient operations, and creative outreach.

Key Responsibilities

Stay current with research trends, scholarly communication, and instructional methodologies relevant to Special Collections
Collaborate with faculty, students, and colleagues to integrate collections into teaching and research
Oversee public services spaces, circulation policies, and access to materials
Supervise and mentor staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation
Respond to on-site and remote research inquiries, providing expertise in advanced research methods
Develop and maintain instructional and research tools to enhance access to Special Collections
Participate in library-wide initiatives, committees, and professional organizations

Required Qualifications

MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent combination of library experience and an advanced degree
Minimum 5 years experience providing research and instruction services for primary source materials
Minimum 3 years supervisory experience
Knowledge of current trends and methodologies in scholarship and teaching
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Commitment to high-quality, user-focused services and understanding of research and teaching needs of Special Collections users

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a humanities or social science discipline
Experience with Atlas Systems Aeon circulation/workflow software
Knowledge of the application of technology to research, teaching, and Special Collections operations

Application Instructions

To apply, submit online via University of Chicago Academic Recruiting:

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Reference contact information

Review of applications begins: February 7, 2026
Applications will continue to be screened until the position is filled or the search is closed.

For assistance with Interfolio or questions, contact: help@interfolio.com or (877) 997-8807.

Questions about the position may be directed to: libraryhr@uchicago.edu

Benefits

The University of Chicago provides comprehensive benefits including:

Health, retirement, and paid time off
Relocation allowance for qualifying expenses
Detailed information available in the University of Chicago Benefits Guidebook

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

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