Description
The Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for appointment as Johnson Lecturer, with a specialization in Sociology, in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (https://mapss.uchicago.edu). We invite applications from candidates across the full range of fields within the discipline. Areas of expertise that are of particular interest to MAPSS include China, quantitative methods, and migration.
This is a full-time teaching and advising position that involves designing graduate seminars, mentoring students on research projects, and helping a diverse range of students navigate graduate school. This instructorship is for a term of four years, beginning September 1, 2025.
MAPSS is a one-year program providing students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students concentrate in psychology, economics, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or in interdisciplinary research, and conduct original research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty. MAPSS recruits talented students from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and trajectories. Some go on to doctoral study after MAPSS, while others use the degree to advance their careers with the help of an in-house Career Services team.
The Johnson Lecturer will annually teach three courses, including one section of the MAPSS core social theory course “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis,” and other courses oriented toward MA and/or undergraduate students, according to program need. This often includes a graduate seminar introducing an important social science research methodology.
Johnson Lecturers perform substantive roles as preceptors, a position that entails advising students on their independent research projects and quarterly course selection, serving as first and second readers on student theses, and providing broad academic and professional guidance to a cohort of master’s students in office hours. They also closely advise students and alumni who are applying to PhD programs.
Johnson Lecturers contribute to program operations, hire and manage teaching assistants, and participate in staff meetings and pedagogy workshops. They serve on two program committees each year, according to program need.
The position includes support for professional development, including funds to attend conferences and workshops, as well as mentoring from senior members of the MAPSS instructional team. The position also offers opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the University.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in Sociology or in a related discipline prior to the start date. Prior teaching in the social sciences is required. Experience mentoring students on original research projects is preferred.
Application Instructions
The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/160277: 1) a cover letter, outlining the applicant’s prior training and research experience, their prior teaching and/or mentoring experience, and their suggested course offerings; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a doctoral transcript (unofficial is acceptable); 4) an article-length writing sample; 5) at least one course syllabus designed by the candidate; 6) course evaluations or other evidence of past experience teaching or mentoring; 7) a teaching statement; and 8) three letters of recommendation.
Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
