Assistant Professor of Sociology & Criminology

The Department of Sociology at the University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2024. We seek a criminologist or sociologist with expertise in any of the subareas of criminology or criminal justice research, including but not limited to criminological theory, community and crime, policing, courts, corrections, mass incarceration, juvenile delinquency, health and crime, gender and crime, race and racism, and/or social justice. The successful candidate will have complementary interests in one or more of the department’s other specialty areas: Sociology of Race, Sociology of Gender, Political Sociology, Sociology of Development, Sociology of Health, Environmental Sociology, and Population Studies.

Applicant requirements:

• An earned doctorate in Sociology, Criminology, or Criminal Justice by the employment start date. Experience and/or demonstrated potential for research excellence, including a well-defined research agenda and a record of (or clear potential for) academic publication and extramural funding. Ability to contribute to the department’s new PhD emphasis in Criminology and the teaching mission of our undergraduate program in Criminology. An understanding of how faculty contribute to the success of underrepresented students. For more on the University of Utah’s and the Department of Sociology’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, visit diversity.utah.edu and soc.utah.edu/diversity-mission.php.

The University of Utah, a Research-1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, is the flagship of the Utah System of Higher Education. It enrolls approximately 25,000 undergraduate and 8,000 graduate students. The Sociology department awards the BA/BS in Sociology, BA/BS in Criminology, Master of Statistics, and PhD degrees. Academic Analytics recently ranked the department first among 207 U.S. sociology departments in the number of articles published per faculty member. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, a metropolitan area of 1.3 million people that offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, with world-class hiking and multiple ski resorts within minutes from campus and eight national parks within hours of the city. Salt Lake City is home to a major international airport with direct flights to major U.S. cities and international locations such as Amsterdam, London, Mexico City, and Paris. In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign scored Salt Lake City a perfect 100 on its Municipal Equality Index (www.hrc.org/resources/mei-2022-see-your-cities-scores). 

Review of applications will begin September 15, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Apply online at https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/151037 . Please submit (1) a cover letter detailing your research and teaching interests and experience, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) an academic writing sample, and (4) three letters of recommendation. Sociology and Criminology are among the most diverse majors on campus, with 37% and 39% of students identifying as non-white, respectively. As part of your cover letter, please include a discussion of how your work and other experiences can contribute to upholding the University of Utah’s and the Department of Sociology’s values and principles related to equity, diversity, and inclusion including the success of underrepresented students at the University of Utah.

Address inquiries regarding the position to Dr. Heather Melton (heather.melton@soc.utah.edu). For technical assistance or questions about the application process, contact Angela Midgley (angela.midgley@soc.utah.edu).

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah and Department of Sociology value candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups. We strive to recruit faculty who will enhance our diversity and uphold our commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse faculty benefits and enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and community.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as persons of color, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, or veteran status. To inquire further about the University’s nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies, or to request an accommodation in the application process, contact the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX at (801) 581-8365 or oeo@utah.edu.