Overview

The Applied Sociology & Criminal Justice Department at Utah Tech University (UT) in St. George, Utah invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position with an emphasis in Sociology to begin July 1, 2024.  The preferred candidate will possess a terminal degree in an appropriately related field and have experience collaborating with local nonprofit organizations. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Social Statistics, Survey and Data Analysis, as well as other courses in the Sociology curriculum including Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Deviance, and Organizations.

All UT full-time faculty are hired on a 30-credit teaching load. Tenure track faculty receive six credits  of reduction each year for service and scholarship. The 24 credits remaining typically results in a 4/4 teaching load. While the primary consideration for tenure at UT is teaching, being engaged in scholarship and/or creative work and in service are components of tenure and promotion.

UT is establishing itself as a regional, comprehensive university with an “open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic” mission. The humanities and social sciences are viewed as centerpieces of the “human-centered approach to problem-solving” approach that we are using to operationalize our polytechnic vision. UT’s Applied Sociology & Criminal Justice Department plays an important role in fulfilling that mission. More information about the department and the Sociology program can be found online at https://sociology.utahtech.edu/. More information about Utah Tech can be found at https://utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

  • Teach 24 credits per academic year within the Sociology program, usually assigned as 12 credit hours per academic semester.  Teaching responsibilities include lower-division sociology courses (Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Family), upper-division sociology courses (Statistics, Survey and Data Analysis, Deviance, Organizations, Inequality), and other sociology courses related to the successful candidate’s specialty. Summer teaching is possible for additional compensation.
  • Develop and teach appropriate courses in Applied Sociology, consistent with the applicant’s background.
  • Adhere to department, college, and university policies and perform campus-wide faculty responsibilities, including holding office hours; advising program students, attending department, division, and university meetings and events.
  • Serving on department, college, and university committees as assigned.
  • Engaging in community, university, departmental, and discipline service activities.
  • Develop and maintain a research agenda that is appropriate to a comprehensive teaching university (typically this involves conference presentations, invited or peer-reviewed articles, and creative work; scholarship of pedagogy, scholarship of discovery and creative work appropriate to the position are all welcome and valued, especially work that can inform teaching).
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair and/or Dean.

Qualifications

  • Doctorate degree in Sociology (or closely related field) from an accredited college or university is required. ABD candidates will be considered if Ph.D. is completed by July 1, 2024.
  • A background in applied sociology, statistics, and quantitative methodologies.
  • A commitment to, and evidence of, excellence in undergraduate teaching.
  • The ability to utilize undergraduates in continuing scholarship, especially in ways that benefit the institution and surrounding community through the application of sociological principles.
  • An eagerness and ability to engage with colleagues, staff, and administrators to develop ways to improve the educational experience of UT students, both within the Sociology program and within the local community.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

Application Procedure

Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate’s teaching or other professional experience dealing with a wide range of student academic preparedness). Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.