African Black Diaspora/Black Environmental Studies (23-24)

DePaul University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in Black environmental studies at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning Autumn 2023. This position is housed in the Department of African and Black Diaspora Studies at DePaul with a joint appointment in the Department of Environmental Science and Studies.

We invite applicants whose research is situated at the intersection of Black Studies and Environmental Studies. The ideal candidate's research and teaching profile will demonstrate expertise in the impacts of ecological crises and environmental racism on areas such as health, housing, food access, transportation, pollution, community safety, or climate change impacts, among others. Candidates’ profiles should also clearly indicate engagement with environmental justice and investment in the lived conditions of Black populations locally and globally within the context of the natural and built environment.

We are especially interested in scholars whose research and teaching address contemporary visions and practices of Black sustenance and sustainability. This includes projects on urban gardening and farming, the establishment of alternative green economies, reclamation and re-imagination of public space, and other subjects relevant to the study of Black ecologies.  

About the University

DePaul University is the nation's largest Catholic university and the largest private university in Chicago, with more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This vibrant, diverse, and urban university provides a comprehensive liberal arts education and emphasizes teaching, research, and service to the university and broader communities.

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a PhD from an interdisciplinary or social science discipline, including but not limited to Black Studies, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Geography, Sociology, Urban Studies, or related fields. However, all candidates should also ensure that their materials indicate facility with social scientific perspectives and methods. All candidates are expected to highlight their investment in the guiding concerns of Black Studies and Environmental Studies.

The teaching load for this position is six courses per academic year, split 50/50 between the two departments. This load is typically two courses per each of three academic quarters (September-June) with about five weeks of winter break. There are many opportunities to develop community-based service learning courses in collaboration with community partnerships across Chicago.

We seek qualified candidates who can contribute to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through teaching, scholarship, mentorship and service. As stated in DePaul University’s Mission Statement, “Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism​, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. Through education and research, the university addresses the great questions of our day, promoting peaceful, just, and equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges.” Applicants who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to an inclusive climate are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas. Members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

A complete application should contain the following:

• Curriculum vitae
• A letter of application indicating interest in and qualifications for the position
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• A statement of research interest including potential opportunities to engage undergraduate students in research
• Contact information for three professional references (Letters will be requested for candidates selected for the interview round.)
• Outline of a potential undergraduate course that demonstrates the intersection of Black Studies and environmental justice. This treatment should, in approximately 500 words, address potential approaches, themes, and readings for the course.
• Representative research writing sample of no more than 25 pages.

The deadline for applications is December 12, 2022. Apply via https://apply.interfolio.com/116413.  Only complete applications can be considered. However, candidates who reach the interview round may be asked to submit further materials. PhD in hand by the application deadline is strongly preferred.

For further questions about this position, please contact Dr. Julie Moody-Freeman, search committee chair, at jmoodyfr@depaul.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, martial status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.

Safety and Security Statement - Clery Act:

A copy of DePaul University's Safety and Security Information Report and Fire Safety Report is available upon request.  The report includes statistics about crimes that occurred on campus and public property immediately adjacent to campus.  The report includes institutional policies concerning campus security, sexual assault and other matters.  It also includes fire statistics, fire safety practices and standards of the institution.  A copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Crime Prevention Office at 773-325-7775 or by visiting the DePaul Public Safety website at http://publicsafety.depaul.edu .

Title IX Statement:

Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX responsibilities.  At DePaul University, the Title IX Coordinator is Kathryn Statz.  Her office is located in Lincoln Park on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue.  She can be reached at 312-362-8970, or titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu.

Required COVID-19 Vaccination:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent upon receiving all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine including the booster or having a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.  To request a medical or religious exemption, please email employeerelations@depaul.edu

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check.  Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check. 

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:

Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire.  A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected.  For more information, please visit the following pages:  

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act