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Assistant Professor of Sociology

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced is also building the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

The Department of Sociology in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts invites applications for a faculty member at the Assistant Professor level (tenure-track) with research interests in the Sociology of Health, Medical Sociology, and/or Environmental Justice. Candidates in any of these areas are encouraged to apply, but we are particularly interested in applicants with a focus on health disparities and inequities or environmental health and justice. This is a unique opportunity to join the faculty at the newest University of California campus, where we are building a world class program and have the opportunity to work with a wonderfully diverse and engaged undergraduate and graduate student population. We seek outstanding scholars who will establish and maintain creative research programs; participate in creating a multi-faculty specialization in the Sociology of Health at UC Merced; participate actively in the development of innovative interdisciplinary programs and research, especially the Health Sciences Research Institute (HSRI); and, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

In order to be considered, candidates must have a research program in the sociology of health or a closely related field; a PhD in sociology by the position start date; and a strong record of publication.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2019.

Applications must be submitted online. Completed applications must be received no later than October 16, 2018, in order to be considered. Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of research; 4) statement of teaching; 5) three writing samples; 6) a contributions to diversity statement; and, 7) a list of references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.

The contributions to diversity statement should describe your past experience, activities and future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, in alignment with UC Merced’s mission to reflect the diversity of California and to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse population. Some faculty candidates may not have substantial past activities. If that is the case, we recommend focusing on future plans in your statement. For additional information on what should be included on your Diversity Statement, please visit http://facultyexcellence.ucsd.edu/c2d/index.html#Are-there-any-guidelines-for-wr.

Applicants for the Assistant Professor level should arrange to have three letters of reference submitted online. After an application is submitted, the letters of reference should be electronically uploaded by the letter writers (instructions will be provided by the application system). Letters of reference should be received no later than October 16, 2018.

The University of California, Merced is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, students and staff. The UC Merced Department of Sociology is committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty dedicated to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from ethnic and racial minorities and members of other underrepresented groups.

Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and UC academic salary scales.

For additional information, please contact Paul Almeida at palmeida@ucmerced.edu.

Applicants will be notified when the final candidate has been selected.

To apply, please visit our UC Merced job posting at: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/apply/JPF00672.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

  • List of References

  • Writing Sample #1

  • Writing Sample #2

  • Writing Sample #3

  • Writing Sample #4 (Optional)

  • Writing Sample #5 (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Merced, CA