Overview

The Sarama Bliss Endowed Chair will provide leadership in the area of human-animal interaction through scholarship and teaching. The faculty member will be housed in the School of Social Work and will work closely with its Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC) Center. Research areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to: trauma-informed work (either in animal-assisted intervention or in the link between violence toward humans and toward animals); aging/gerontology; health equity; and racial/ethnic justice. An interdisciplinary approach, community-engaged and translational research and practice, and ability to engage and support students at multiple levels are central to the School’s and HABIC’s approach and commitments.

An ideal candidate will have a track record of successful funded research and interdisciplinary partnerships, the ability to teach in the Human-Animal Interaction certificate program and elsewhere in the curriculum, experience in mentoring students and colleagues, and a strong social justice orientation.

We seek diversity and inclusion in our faculty, staff and students to broaden students’ academic experience and to enrich our campus community. Candidates must demonstrate their contributions and/or potential to contribute to diversity and inclusion through teaching and/or service and leadership, as well as demonstrate effort in or commitment to collaboratively creating a more equitable society and world. The faculty member must be capable of working with students who hold varied and intersecting identities, including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, first generation students, Pell-grant-eligible students, international students, students with DACA status, students who speak multiple languages, students who are LGBTQIA+, and others. We invite individuals with diverse identities to apply and appreciate and honor discussion of diversity in application materials.

Required Job Qualifications

  • A PhD in social work or a related field
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct a nationally recognized program of scholarly research pertinent to human-animal interaction, including a history of extramural funding and publication in the area
  • A history of successfully mentoring students, trainees, and/or faculty
  • Academic experience consistent with appointment at the rank of associate or full professor
  • Identified contributions and/or potential to contribute to diversity and inclusion through teaching, research, and/or service/leadership
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Job Qualifications

  • A MSW degree and two years’ post-graduate practice experience

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit:

  • Resume/CV
  • Letter of Interest including a description of demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity
  • List of three professional or academic references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.