The Department of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for one full-time non-tenure stream position as Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies. The Sociology Department provides undergraduate students with opportunities to cultivate their sociological imaginations as they learn why and how people develop identities, belong to groups, form social organizations, and enact social change. The Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) chairs an Undergraduate Committee, works with the Chair as part of the department leadership team, and, with the undergraduate Advisor, liaises with the office of the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and works directly with students to fulfill this mission. The appointment requires a commitment to excellence in teaching and demonstrated ability to contribute to undergraduate student academic success and to faculty, course, and program development.

The successful candidate will teach a variety of undergraduate courses depending on the needs of the department and their interests and expertise. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching will not only attract majors but also fire the sociological imaginations of minors and others across and beyond the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

The successful candidate is expected to serve at least an initial three-year term as the Director of Undergraduate Studies, whose primary responsibilities (in close collaboration with the Chair and Advisor) include ongoing management and assessment of undergraduate pedagogy, course scheduling, undergraduate grade disputes, and academic integrity issues, and infrastructure and accountability to promote excellence in undergraduate teaching. For the first three years of this renewable appointment, the DUGS will lead a significant initiative to develop both pedagogy and curriculum. The initiative includes the evidence-based, values-driven transformation of the department’s writing-intensive courses and contributes to students’ meeting General Education Requirements through courses in Sociology.

The starting date for the position is September 1, 2023. The minimum qualifications for the position are a Ph.D. in Sociology or a related field, demonstrated teaching excellence, and experience using goal-directed learning in undergraduate pedagogy and curriculum development. Preferred qualifications include experience participating in, leading, envisioning, and implementing goal-directed higher education initiatives to develop pedagogy and curriculum in the social sciences. Successful candidates are expected to engage in teaching and program administration and development that contribute to the department’s inclusively and equitably serving diverse undergraduate students.

Applications should include a cover letter addressed to the DUGS search committee, curriculum vitae, 10-12 pp. teaching portfolio featuring evidence of effective teaching (e.g., statement of philosophy, list of courses, an excerpt of sample syllabus and materials, peer observations, and student surveys of teaching if available), a brief description of how your teaching and service to students and colleagues demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and contact information for two people able to submit letters of recommendation for short-listed candidates (references will receive email notification with instructions about submitting their letters).

The Sociology Department’s telephone number is (412) 648-7290; the contact e-mail address is nit72@pitt.edu.