Assistant Professor Tenure Track - Sociology

Job Title

Assistant Professor Tenure Track - Sociology

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Sociology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor Tenure-Track of Sociology in the Division of Sociology. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Summer appointment is dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be assigned to teach at various campus locations or through approved instructional modalities, as determined by the institution based on operational needs. Serves as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

The area of expertise is open; however, scholars in environmental sociology, the sociology of work and organizations, the sociology of science and technology (especially those with expertise in user experience, artificial intelligence, and digital sociology), and applied sociology are especially encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include a range of undergraduate courses, including Introductory Sociology and upper-level courses aligned with the successful candidate’s area of expertise. The successful candidate will be committed to teaching excellence and recruiting, mentoring, and retaining students.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

40% or 60% Teaching and Service:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.
• Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.
• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.
• Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
• Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.
• Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.
• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues, division faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.
• Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, university committees, club sponsorship, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.
  
  

40% or 60% Research:

• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.
• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.
• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.
• Develop a sustainable, nationally recognized, externally-funded research program in a demonstrated area of expertise within sociology.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Sociology (ABD will be considered but the required terminal degree must be posted at the time of appointment) from an accredited university.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Record of research and publication at national/international level.
• University teaching experience (including face-to-face and online).
• Experience in pursuing funded research.
• Ability to teach Introductory Sociology and engaging undergraduate courses in a demonstrated area of expertise within sociology.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***
  
  

Application Procedure

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action

Employment Applications Must Include (required)

• Completed online application
• Cover letter addressing research agenda, approach to teaching, and experience recruiting, mentoring, and retaining students
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Writing sample representing scholarship
• Three professional references with complete contact information
• Unofficial transcripts
• Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.
  

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin October 17, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is Fall 2026.

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree-granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.