Faculty Position at Illinois Tech Department of Social Sciences

Position Description:
The Department of Social Sciences at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) seeks a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in social science, both for majors and non-majors. We are particularly interested in candidates who can teach in environmental studies, science and technology policy, and computational social science. The initial appointment for this non-tenure position will be for 3 (renewable years), pending successful completion of a one-year probationary period. Renewal is possible assuming continued need and mutual concurrence, and sustained excellence in this role may allow for promotion to Associate and Full Teaching Professor.

We are looking for individuals whose courses and teaching methods feature policy-relevant methods and knowledge, facilitate community engagement (Illinois Tech prides itself on project-based education), and teach our students to understand and work in diverse human, natural, and built environments. There are many opportunities to pedagogically work directly with Chicago area communities, including the Bronzeville neighborhood where the Illinois Tech campus is located.

The successful candidate will join a collegial interdisciplinary social science department in one of the country’s leading technological institutes. Currently the Department of Social Sciences offers three interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degrees: Social and Economic Development Policy, with urban and international concentrations; Science, Technology and Society; and Global Studies. We also serve the general education needs of students in other departments and majors, emphasizing the social, political, and economic interests of the communities that they will serve during their professional careers. Some examples of courses that are regularly taught are Fieldwork Methods; Politics and Public Policy; Comparative Public Policy; Technology and Social Change; and State and Local Government.

Illinois Tech is a private Ph.D.-granting research university with world-renowned programs in engineering, architecture, the sciences, humanities and social sciences, psychology, business, law, and design. Founded in 1890, Illinois Tech was built on the promise to provide access to higher education for students from all different backgrounds and to make a difference in the world through technology-oriented education. This guiding mission and purpose – where students, including those underrepresented in technology, could prepare for meaningful roles in a changing industrial society and achieve professional and economic advancement – remains just as relevant today. As such, diversity and inclusion are part of the day-to-day experience at Illinois Tech and a central component of its culture. Illinois Tech is home to a diverse and global student population, is committed to providing opportunities to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position, especially those underrepresented in the field.

Required qualifications:
Candidates must have a PhD or international equivalent from an accredited university in a social science field that addresses core social science topics, theories, and methods in environmental studies, science and technology policy, and computational social science.

Required information:
Applicants should submit the following:
1) A cover letter
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) A description of the candidate’s capability and interest to teach in any of our three expected and broadly conceived growth areas: environmental studies, science and technology policy, and computational social science.
4) A statement of teaching philosophy including approaches to teaching or mentoring a diverse population of students and contributing to equity, diversity and inclusion.
5) A letter including the names and contact information of three references.
6) If applicable, a list of courses taught in the social sciences.

Detailed expectations:
The selected candidate will teach 3 courses each semester (fall and spring). The selected candidate will be a full and valued member of the department, mentor and advise undergraduates, and participate in various committees and departmental initiatives, including the shaping of a new strategic plan for the department. Opportunities for summer teaching employment and potential administrative duties may also be available for qualified candidates.

Timing:
The appointment will start on January 1st, 2023; the spring semester starts on January 9th, 2023.

Submission of application:
This will be done by emailing the required documents above to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hiring process:
Review of applications will start on Monday October 17th, 2022. Online interviews are anticipated to start in mid November. A decision is anticipated in early December.

Contact information:
For additional information or questions, please contact the chair of the search committee, Ullica Segerstrale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.