Visiting Assistant Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies / Anthropology & Sociology

Description

Governors State University (University Park IL) is a minority-serving institution inviting applicants to a fulltime Visiting faculty position in the Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology programs to begin in the January 2027 term. This position is a 12-month contract with a teaching load of 27 credit hours (9 courses) across fall, spring, and summer terms, renewable for a second year. A PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Writing, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field is required by December 2026; candidates who are ABD in the final stages of completion will also be considered.

We seek a candidate with a strong commitment to teaching and demonstrated experience working with diverse, first generation, returning adult, and other non traditional student populations, who will complement existing faculty strengths across Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology. The successful candidate will contribute to both programs through disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and the integration of applied and spatial methods, including the ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS).

Teaching responsibilities will include IDSS 3099 Academic Writing Strategies, GIS, and additional courses in Interdisciplinary Studies (such as Interdisciplinary Theory, Career Planning, or the Capstone Seminar), as well as Anthropology and/or Sociology offerings (such as Gender & Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Issues, Social Theory, or cross cultural analysis). The specific course mix will be determined in alignment with departmental needs and faculty expertise.

An interest and ability to contribute to related interdisciplinary programs—such as Gender & Sexuality Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or other areas within the Division of Arts & Letters—is valued. Experience teaching online or hybrid courses is also desirable. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and first generation college graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 5000 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GovState has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. GovState accepted its inaugural class of first-year students in 2014, transitioning from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.

Through its strategic planning, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GovState is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GovState offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.

GovState's 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GovState serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications
1. PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field (e.g., American Studies, Geography, Gender & Sexuality Studies) with disciplinary training relevant to Anthropology/Sociology. ABD in final stages considered.
2. Ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS) and integrate geospatial or spatial analytic methods into anthropological, sociological, or interdisciplinary inquiry.
3. Demonstrated ability to teach anthropology and/or sociology at the postsecondary level.
4. Ability to teach academic writing or writing intensive interdisciplinary courses.
5. Experience teaching first generation, returning adult, culturally diverse, or non traditional students.
6. Experience teaching at the post secondary level and can demonstrate the ability to teach in person, online and hybrid courses.

Preferred Qualifications
1. Evidence of teaching excellence.
2. Ability to complement ANSO and IDSS program strengths.
3. Ability to teach two or more interdisciplinary social science topics—such as gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, social issues, interdisciplinary theory, social science theory, or career focused/applied coursework—in anthropology, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies contexts.
4. Ability to teach Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or elsewhere in Arts & Letters.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, sample syllabi, unofficial transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and list of 3-4 references by July 30, 2026 for full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to interviews.