Open rank, Arts-Based Social Justice Research, Practice, and Education

The University of Michigan School of Social Work announces two open-rank, tenure-track positions to begin Fall 2023, with a specialty in arts-based social justice research, practice, and education. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office, these positions are part of a cluster hiring initiative that will include two positions in Social Work and two in the School of Theatre, Music, and Dance. The cluster hire aims to advance anti racist, social justice-focused, collaborative research involving different units across campus.

The intersection of art and social justice is an emerging area of research for the social work profession. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research address some of the following priorities: (1) expertise in an area of social work research (e.g., HIV prevention, child  welfare, etc.); (2) demonstrated interest in and experience with integrating art-forms and performance based work (e.g., spoken word, theater, documentary photography) in their research as a method of intervention and/or dissemination; (3) expertise in community-engaged research; (4) a focus on community organizing and other strategies for community change; and (5) antiracism and social justice practices.

A key feature of these positions is the opportunity to participate in the development of an Arts and Social Justice Collaboratory in partnership with existing faculty at the School of Social Work who already work in these areas and at the School of Music, Theater, and Dance. We look for scholars who use art-forms and performance as research methods, vehicles for engaging communities, and/or disseminating research findings. We look for strength-based research, community empowerment approaches and theories, arts and activism, educational justice, youth empowerment, and environmental justice. Select candidates will join existing programs at the School and University devoted to community engagement, arts leadership, and arts-based social work research, practice and education.

Requirements for the two open-rank positions include: strong research agenda and experience with research proposal development; peer reviewed publications focused on at least one of the research priorities listed above; teaching experience; a commitment to antiracist and social justice art-focused research, equity and inclusion; and a Ph.D. (preferably in social work). A record of work in and with community-based organizations is desirable, as well as as well as engaged scholarship that focuses on change at the community level. For the associate and full professor ranks, requirements also include demonstrated achievement in research and in successful teaching at the master’s and/or doctoral levels. We encourage applications from senior researchers, assistant professors, and advanced PhD candidates with strong research agenda and teaching experiences.

The School of Social Work is committed to a University-wide initiative that aims to enhance social justice, antiracism, diversity, equity, and create an inclusive climate. We seek outstanding applicants who will contribute to the School’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan. Michigan Social Work faculty members strive to be leaders in scholarship, education, and service for socially just communities in Michigan, the United States, and across the world. They respond to social challenges in this highly politicized and technologized world by supporting scholarly and academic excellence; equity in education, health and social services; and they draw on scientific and critical theories that support the understanding of social challenges and then work to develop translational solutions to these challenges. We seek new faculty members whose interests and commitments fit this philosophy. For more information about the University’s diversity initiative please visit: https://ssw.umich.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion.

Interested candidates should visit the online application to submit their cover letter, including the names of three references, a copy of their CV and three writing examples. Writing examples may include published works, visual and performing arts, media works, syllabi or detailed schedules for courses and workshops, case examples, and opinion pieces. Recommendations will be requested at a later date.