Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Sociology

The Department of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We are seeking a candidate who regularly uses quantitative methods in their scholarship and is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in quantitative methods. Area of specialization is open, but we are particularly interested in candidates who can add to our concentrations in Racial Equity and Inclusion or Policy and Social Problems. We are a social justice- oriented department and value scholars whose work connects to communities and/or social policy and takes an intersectional approach.  

The Department of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, through excellence in teaching, research and service, seeks to contribute to a rigorous, scientific understanding of society that will serve as a powerful resource for strengthening citizenship and communities. We are dedicated to providing an environment in which students gain the skills to think critically and to contribute to social justice and community building through their academic and professional work.

The Sociology Department offers a B.A degree. Research productive faculty teach a 2/2 course load, and all tenure track faculty are eligible for a pre-tenure sabbatical. In addition to our concentrations, the Labor Studies program is housed in our Department, and our faculty are involved in several interdisciplinary programs, including the Climate Change Initiative, Gender Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, and Global Studies (PhD).

The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) is the largest academic unit of the University, with 12 academic departments and over 230 full-time faculty. FAHSS has experienced significant growth in recent years, including hiring over 70 new faculty members, achieving a 70% growth in funded research expenditures, and adding several new interdisciplinary graduate programs.

This hire will be part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell hire of six tenure-track faculty members (various ranks) as part of our 2022-2023 Social & Health Policy cluster hiring initiative. As outlined in our values statement, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, as a public higher education institution, recognizes its responsibility to serve the public good and immediate surrounding communities. Faculty in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are nationally and internationally recognized for research and work engaging some of the pressing social issues facing the world today, such as race equity, health, and education (for more information about UML FAHSS Research Centers, please visit the college website.) The FAHSS cluster hiring initiative marks an essential step towards our goal of increasing inclusive excellence by recruiting outstanding faculty across disciplines who share our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, impactful socially- and community-engaged research, student engagement and experiential learning, and institutional transformation.

Greater Lowell, Merrimack Valley, and the Boston region are home to diverse communities. The historic city of Lowell, MA, is a gateway city that is a majority-minority city (20.9% Asian American, 17.9% Hispanic, 8% Black/African American). UMass Lowell has robust partnerships with the City of Lowell, Lowell Public Schools, health organizations, and many other local nonprofits and businesses. The Boston region is also home to a large number of potential research partners.

About University of Massachusetts Lowell:

UMass Lowell is a national research university committed to preparing our students for work in the real world--solving real problems and helping real people--by providing an affordable high-quality education. US News and World Report ranks UMass Lowell among the top 200 research universities in the country, and our rankings have been consistently rising.  The university offers an excellent salary and benefits package.

UMass Lowell is an equal education/employment opportunity institution dedicated to building a diverse community. We strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

  • PhD in Sociology or related field by September 1, 2023

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received by December 9th will receive full consideration. Applications may continue to be reviewed after that date; however, the position will close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

The appointment is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2023.


Please include the following required documents with your application:

  • Curriculum Vita
  • Cover Letter
  • Sample of Scholarly Work/Publication
  • Teaching Statement/Philosophy
  • Evidence of Teaching
  • Research Statement
  • Diversity Statement that describes your commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity across scholarship, teaching, and service activities
  • Names and contact information for three references will be required at the time of application. References will be contacted for a letter of reference immediately after application submission. References will be required to upload recommendation letters to our online portal; neither emailed nor hard-copy letters will be accepted. *Three letters of reference are required.

 

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in this area.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.

Please read this "EEO is the Law" poster (pdf), which provides an overview of many relevant equal opportunity laws.