Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology and Director of the Everett Program Chris Benner, in the Sociology Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a visiting assistant professor. The position will involve working directly in the Everett Program, an innovative program housed in the sociology department but open to students across campus, that empowers students to take direct action on issues of social justice and environmental sustainability in partnership with community-based organizations in both the U.S. and around the globe, using digital tools to help support their work.
We are looking for a candidate whose research and experience is at the intersection of technology and movements for social, economic, and racial justice. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in critical social science studies and practical digital technology skills, with experience in community engagement. In addition to pursuing their own research, the candidate will be expected to contribute to developing and implementing courses and student-led projects that incorporate community-based experiential and applied learning opportunities, address community research needs, and integrate new technologies in meaningful ways. This includes helping students not just understand technology but design and use technological tools in support of processes of social change and community development. This pedagogy is rooted in an understanding that digital technologies have become ubiquitous, and are involved in all aspects of contemporary economic change, social interaction and cultural development.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach at the undergraduate level and mentor students in applied project development, while also pursuing their own research, and to perform university and professional service. The successful candidate must be committed to the equity and inclusion goals of the Everett Program, be an excellent teacher, and able to work with students, faculty, staff and community partners from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their teaching, professional activity, and service.
RANK: Visiting Assistant Professor
SALARY: A reasonable estimate for this position is $90,000.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in sociology or a related social science or social sciences oriented humanities field, or in a technical field, such as computer science, with a focus on public interest technology; teaching experience demonstrated by college-level teaching and/or applied professional workshops and training programs.It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by June 30, 2024.
POSITION AVAILABLE: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include your most recently updated curriculum vitae which must include a list of professional references along with their contact information (the search committee will conduct reference checks for those applicants who are under serious consideration); a Cover Letter addressing your practical digital technology skills and your experience with community engagement; a Statement of Research; a Statement of Teaching; a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion addressing your understanding of the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups and your past and/or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching and professional or public service (candidates are urged to review guidelines on statements before preparing their application); and a sample Course Syllabus. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.
Apply at (https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF01753)
Refer to Position #JPF01753 in all correspondence.
CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on July 11, 2024. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete and letters of recommendation received by this date.
