What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant or Associate Professor- Sociology position at Wayne State University and Careers?
Assistant or Associate Professor- Sociology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant or Associate Professor- Sociology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
The Department of Sociology invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Sociology position. We seek an active and engaged colleague who can complement our current department's focus areas of Race, Ethnicity and Gender, and the Sociology of Health and Illness. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research agenda uses qualitative methods to examine health experiences and outcomes within Black communities.
The preferred candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to research, teaching, and service that centers on the Black experience in the US, using an interdisciplinary, intersectional lens for knowledge creation from a Black perspective. Candidates will be expected to engage in high-quality qualitative research and seek external funding. Candidates will also teach undergraduate and graduate courses, primarily on the Wayne State campus, and participate in curriculum development that aligns with their substantive area of expertise and contributes to the field of Black Studies. Candidates are also expected to serve on department, college, and university committees, participate in departmental activities, serve their profession and/or community partners (if appropriate), and complete other related duties as assigned.
This position is one of several searches underway in connection with the Black Studies Faculty Enhancement Initiative sponsored by the Mellon Foundation and Wayne State University. Components of the program include structured mentoring, resources for the establishment of an independent research program, and the support of a community committed to higher education. The faculty member will be expected to contribute to the Detroit Center for Black Studies in their teaching, research, and service.
The successful candidate will join a student-focused, vibrant, and engaged department. Our faculty are active scholars who have received wide recognition for their scholarship and contributions to student success through teaching and mentoring. The sociology faculty serves a diverse student body, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students. Preferred candidates will have experience with a diverse student body, including underrepresented and first-generation college students.
Wayne State University is one of the nation’s pre-eminent public research universities in the heart of Detroit, which appreciates student diversity and success. Nationally recognized as a Carnegie Research Intensive (R1) and Community Engaged University, WSU is located in the vibrant cultural center of Detroit, highlighted nationally for its growth and development. WSU offers a collegial environment, state-of-the-art facilities, excellent programming and training for health-related careers, and access to collaborations across universities in southeast Michigan.
Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in Sociology or a closely aligned field by August 15, 2026, for a position starting on August 18. 2026. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the academic community's diversity in research and teaching, and excellence at Wayne State University.
Candidates should include a detailed cover letter that addresses their research interests and teaching philosophy. Applicants should also provide a curriculum vitae (CV) with the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 10 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
School/College/Division:
H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science
Primary department:
H0328 - Sociology
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Academic/Faculty
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Salary minimum: TBD
- Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between WSU and the WSU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.