Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences is to serve as the intellectual heart and soul of our institution and wider community. The College of Humanities and Sciences:

• Prepares lifelong learners to participate actively as engaged and responsible citizens
• Propels scientific research and scholarship to improve the human condition, cure and treat diseases, and promote healthy environments
• Grounds us in our history, critically examines our present human condition and empowers students to create more equitable local and global communities
• Provides communities with a passionate and creative workforce that serves as a powerful engine for economic development and innovative solutions to problems

As the intellectual lifeblood of VCU and our community, the College of Humanities and Sciences seeks to inspire our students to explore their passions and dreams as individuals and provide the context to understand their place in the world and connections with others—locally, globally and throughout time. Most importantly, our educational and research environment addresses an array of technological, health-related and societal problems, as well as providing profound insights and reflections of what it means to be human and humane.

Chief Purpose of this position: The Department of Sociology at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a teaching faculty (non-tenure track) full-time position at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level, to begin August 2022.

Position Responsibilities: We are seeking a sociologist with demonstrated experience teaching sociological research methods and intro to sociology and demonstrable experience developing online courses. Successful candidates will have experience teaching both in-person, hybrid and online, with the expectation that they will complete VCU Online’s Excellence in Online Learning Certificate program and will be able to design and teach online courses in alignment with parameters set out by VCU Online. Preference will be given to candidates that can teach courses in one or more of our subject area needs, including digital sociology, global societies, health and society, cultural sociology, and race and ethnicity.

Required Qualifications: Required qualifications include a PhD in Sociology or related discipline in hand at time of application, experience with student and community engagement and four plus years of relevant teaching experience, including four or more semesters online at the university level. This job has a 4/4 teaching load, along with expectations for service to the department. Demonstrated experience and commitment in fostering inclusion, diversity, and cultural competency in teaching, research, and service is mandatory. We believe different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience. We celebrate diversity and foster inclusiveness by providing services and resources designed for equal opportunity, equal access, and collaboration among our diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications: N/A

Virginia Commonwealth University is a large urban university located in the center of Richmond, Virginia. The sociology program at VCU includes both a bachelor’s and master’s program. Currently, we have 200+ undergraduate majors and 20+ graduate students. The M.S. program has been moved fully online and offers a track with a focus in digital sociology. Existing faculty areas of research include gender, sexuality, labor, environment, digital sociology, and health, with expertise in multiple research methodologies, including social network analysis and quantitative and qualitative methods. Both the graduate and undergraduate programs are built upon a strong theoretical foundation in the structural bases and processes of social inequality, particularly with regard to social class, race, and gender.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Please apply online at https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?=vcu. Please submit a CV, Diversity Statement, cover letter, three reference letters, and evidence of excellence in teaching, such as syllabi, course evaluations, and a teaching statement, with your online application. Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Jesse Goldstein at jgoldstein2@vcu.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 15, 2022. Start date will be August 2022. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion. For more information and guidelines, see https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty

Full time equivalent: 100

Tenure: Ineligible

Rank: Open

Months: 9

Department: Sociology

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Jesse Goldstein

Contact Email: jgoldstein2@vcu.edu