Assistant Professor in Sociology - R0042919

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, a division of the University of Virginia located in Wise, Virginia, invites applications for a faculty position in sociology. The position is a 9-month tenure-track position at the assistant professor level with a start date of August 2023.

As part of the Social Sciences Department, the tenure-track faculty position specialization is open, but preference will be given to an individual with a strong generalist foundation in core sociological courses who has teaching experience and evidence of early scholarship. This position will support the core offerings within the Sociology major specifically as well as other social science programs including but not limited to Introductory Sociology, Race and Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality, Stratification and Inequality, Community and Social Change, and Complex Organizations, among other optional social science courses. Opportunities will be given to teach one or more courses within the applicant’s specialization area on a regular basis; however, the focus of this position remains on the core of the major and related interdisciplinary needs of the Department of Social Sciences.

Preference will be given to candidates who articulate a clear understanding of UVA Wise’s public liberal arts mission and who express specific interest and have experience in the mentoring of students.

This position is a full-time, 9-month commitment at the assistant professor level and with the potential for summer teaching and research support. Responsibilities include:

• Effective preparation and classroom instruction
• Student recruitment, mentorship, and advising
• Participation in curriculum development and program evaluation
• Interest in coordinating and co-advising a sociology club and honors society
• Demonstrated evidence of research/creative/professional activities or the potential to design and complete research/creative/professional activity, including course development and potential involvement in undergraduate research
• Participation in community engagement and experiential learning activities
• Service to the institution through department and College committees
• Participation in College and departmental programs and activities; and
• Professional and community service

Successful candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; should have the demonstrated ability for engaged and innovative teaching at the undergraduate level; must have a Ph.D. (ABD candidates will be considered but must have the Ph.D. completed by the date of appointment) in Sociology, with a preference for candidates with specific experience in teaching Introduction to Sociology and at least one of the additional core offerings of those listed above. Experience serving as an institutional spokesman for the discipline of sociology or similar forms of social justice awareness or advocacy within the local and regional community will be a plus.

The Sociology Program at UVA Wise

Housed within the Department of Social Sciences, the mission of the Sociology program is to prepare graduates with a liberal education, expanded knowledge about social science and related careers, competence in sociological practice and research, preparation of students for entering a related career after graduation or going on to graduate study, and tools for lifelong learning. The program prepares human services professionals to practice in a knowledgeable and professional manner on a regional, national, and global level of social justice work that focuses on the amelioration of real-world social problems.

Institutional Profile

A division of the University of Virginia and a member of the Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) is an inspiring place to teach, learn, work, and call home. Through personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, UVA Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Southwest Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world. We offer access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling positions at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious institutions. And better yet, UVA Wise is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation whose students graduate with a low average student loan debt. 

About Wise, Virginia

Home to some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, vital natural resources, local music and culture, and flourishing new industries, Southwest Virginia is a welcoming and growing region.

The College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia, a small town with a rich history. The historic downtown is a short stroll from campus and features many locally owned shops and restaurants. Local farmer’s markets, summer movies in a downtown glade, and local festivals round out the variety of offerings in Wise. Just beyond Wise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you love hiking, canoeing and camping or shopping local boutiques and enjoying delicious food and drink with friends. 

Wise is located approximately an hour from the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee, which includes Bristol, Va./Tenn., home to both the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music, the organization that hosts the internationally renowned Rhythm and Roots festival each year. The Tri-Cities region boasts an international airport, the Barter Theatre, South Holston Lake, and more amenities including a wide array of shopping, dining, arts and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and more!

Application Instructions

Interested applicants for the position should apply online at jobs.virginia.edu and complete a candidate profile that includes: 1) application, 2) cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position, 3) current CV that includes a listing of courses taught, 4) narrative describing your teaching philosophy, 5) Diversity and Commitment to Social Justice Statement, 6) contact information for three references (no references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate), and 7) unofficial transcripts. Applications submitted by January 27, 2023 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Start date for all positions will be August 2023. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group and the College at Wise are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security.  The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR.  A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.