The Department of Mathematics at the University of Virginia invites applications for the inaugural Mary Ann Pitts Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished Professorship in Mathematics, beginning August 10, 2026.

We seek exceptional candidates with a distinguished research profile in any area aligned with the departments strengths.  Ideal candidates will also demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentoring, and engagement with the department and university community.

The Mary Ann Pitts Professorship is a chaired professorship at the rank of Professor.  The holder will be eligible for sabbatical after every five semesters of full-time teaching and will have special access to annual research funds.

Chairholders are appointed for 5-year renewable terms and are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and to participation in the Jefferson Scholars Foundation community. Participation in the JSF community can include activities such as attending Foundation events, helping the Foundation recruit Scholars and Fellows, and serving on Foundation selection committees.

The University of Virginia is consistently ranked among the nations very best public universities, a Carnegie R1 research institution, and the only U.S. university whose campus is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UVA is located in historic Charlottesville, Virginia, a scenic, culturally vibrant small city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville frequently appears on lists of Americas best places to live, offering a high quality of life with diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundant opportunities for dining, arts, shopping, and entertainment, along with unparalleled access to sports and outdoor recreation. The mathematics department currently includes 26 tenured or tenure track faculty, 6 permanent teaching faculty, and approximately 50 graduate students and postdocs.