Position Description

INTRODUCTION

UConn’s Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in quantitative methods to be based at our fast-growing campus in Stamford, CT. The Stamford campus offers access to a diverse student body, a city environment, and proximity to New York City. The successful candidate would fulfill needs on the Stamford campus and also participate in UConn Sociology’s full department culture. They would teach quantitative methods courses required of all Sociology majors, as well as introductory and upper-level courses in the major, and mentor students interested in quantitative research. At Stamford, they would contribute to an emerging research cluster of faculty in the social sciences. They would also join a vibrant cluster of quantitative researchers within the Sociology department as a whole, including a group engaged with the University’s new data science program. 

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to research and scholarship through high-quality publications in top-tier venues, externally funded research, and mentoring of students.

The successful candidate will teach four courses per year at the Stamford campus, including the required quantitative methods course, introductory-level classes, and advanced undergraduate courses in their area of interest. They may occasionally teach a graduate course in their area of interest at the Storrs campus in lieu of one Stamford course. Engagement in service and outreach activities will also be expected.

In the area of teaching, the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction and mentoring for a diverse student population. Successful candidates will highlight a commitment to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement multiple perspectives as the foundation of a rich learning experience; integrate diverse experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and/or provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse populations and intellectual interests.

The Department of Sociology has 21 tenure-stream faculty members spread across the Storrs, Stamford, and Hartford campuses, and 32 graduate students based in Storrs. In our commitment as a public institution to serve diverse populations, we particularly welcome colleagues from underrepresented or minoritized communities.

UConn Stamford is an urban campus at the center of Fairfield County’s robust non-profit and business community and approximately one hour from New York City by train. The campus serves 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including many first-generation college students. It offers 14 undergraduate majors, including psychology, human development and family sciences, communication, digital media and design, history, computer science, and English.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Doctoral degree (or equivalent foreign degree) completed in sociology by the time of appointment.
• Teaching experience or demonstrated capacity to teach courses with documentation of a commitment to teaching.
• A strong record of scholarly productivity in the areas of specialization
• The ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the Department.
• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal). 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Demonstrated history of or potential for external research funding.
• Experience teaching courses relevant to areas of specialization.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to teaching and/or mentoring a diverse student population. 
• Ability to engage productively with faculty across disciplines. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS  

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Stamford campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY  

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26113 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (e.g., prior research findings and impact; future research plans)
• Teaching statement (e.g., teaching experience, mentoring experience, teaching philosophy, courses prepared to teach)
• Commitment to diversity statement (e.g., values around diversity, equity, and inclusion; diversity-related experience in teaching, research, and service; plans to continue to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion)
• Writing sample and any supporting materials
• Contact information for three (3) letters of reference. References will not be contacted without notification of the candidate.

Review of applications will begin November 6, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. For more information please visit the unit website: Sociology. For questions about this position, please contact the search committee chairs, Ruth Braunstein (ruth.braunstein@uconn.edu) and Ingrid Semaan (ingrid.semaan@uconn.edu).

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.