College Year in Athens (CYA) invites applications for the inaugural Brian D. Joseph Chair in Classics, an endowed visiting professorship that brings accomplished scholars to Athens, Greece, to teach and pursue original research in Classics and related fields. The appointment is for a period of up to three (3) years, beginning September 1, 2026. Established through the generosity of a CYA benefactor, the Chair honors Brian D. Joseph (CYA ’72), an eminent linguist whose groundbreaking work in Greek and Balkan linguistics has shaped the field of historical linguistics.
Position Responsibilities
The Chairholder will:
- Teach one course per semester in their area of expertise.
- Pursue a clearly defined research agenda, making use of Greece's rich archaeological and cultural resources, with the expectation of producing substantial research output.
- Deliver at least one public research lecture at CYA during their term.
- Contribute to faculty meetings and institutional discussions.
- Build relationships with the wider academic community in Greece.
- Submit a brief report to CYA at the conclusion of the appointment, outlining research activities and outcomes.
- Acknowledge the support of the Brian D. Joseph Chair in Classics at CYA in all publications or presentations resulting from work undertaken during the appointment.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and a permanent university position in Classics or related fields (Ancient History, Archaeology and Art, Philology). They should demonstrate an active research profile with a record of scholarly publications, as well as substantial experience in undergraduate teaching. A strong interest in experiential, site-based learning will be considered an asset.
About College Year in Athens (CYA)
Established in 1962, College Year in Athens (CYA) was the first study abroad program in Greece for English-speaking undergraduates from U.S. colleges and universities. At its core, CYA has always been dedicated to Classical Studies, shaping generations of scholars through rigorous coursework, interdisciplinary inquiry, and immersive learning in the heart of the ancient world. CYA’s Classics curriculum integrates literature, history, art and archaeology, philosophy, epigraphy, paleography, and ancient languages at all levels. Our teaching combines classroom instruction with on-site learning across Greece and abroad, enabling students to engage directly with ancient texts, inscriptions, monuments, and material culture. CYA’s location beside the Panathenaic Stadium places students at the crossroads of ancient and modern Greece, allowing them to engage with Classical education in direct relation to the physical remains of antiquity. Faculty-led study travel beyond Athens contextualizes the Classical world geographically and historically. In addition to its undergraduate curriculum, CYA offers a Postbaccalaureate Program in Classics for students preparing for graduate study. With a deeply immersive approach, CYA continues to serve as a training ground for future scholars of the ancient world.
1. A cover letter outlining the applicant’s interest in the position and how their teaching and research align with CYA’s academic mission.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. A research proposal that includes
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a summary of the project to be undertaken during the appointment, presenting the research question, its significance, and anticipated wider impact; and
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a proposed public lecture, including a provisional title and an abstract.
4. A teaching statement that includes
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a summary of the applicant’s approach to undergraduate teaching and mentoring; and
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a brief description of one proposed course to teach at CYA.
5. Names and contact information of three referees (to be contacted directly by CYA if the candidate is shortlisted).
Deadline for Applications: October 17, 2025
Start Date of the Appointment: September 1, 2026
Applications will be evaluated based on the originality and scholarly significance of the proposed research, the applicant’s teaching experience and publication record, and the overall alignment of their work with CYA’s academic environment. For further information, contact us at [email protected]
College Year in Athens (CYA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory educational and employment environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CYA’s academic and employment policies, programs, and activities are administered in accordance with this commitment.