Assistant Professor of Sociology (Tenure Track) – Focus on Rural Criminology, Sociology of Rural Families, and Rural Social Policy
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Job no: 532823
Work type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Senior management: Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Department: Sociology
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Instructional / Teaching Faculty
Assistant Professor of Sociology (Tenure Track) – Focus on Rural Criminology, Sociology of Rural Families, and Rural Social Policy
The Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin in Fall 2025 or 2026. We seek a scholar whose research focuses on rural dynamics, particularly in one or more of the following areas: rural criminology, rural family dynamics, and/or rural social policy. A strong foundation in quantitative analysis is required, with expertise in mixed methods preferred. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s strengths in criminology and sociology of family by expanding our focus on rural social policy research and will play a key role in advancing empirical sociological inquiry in rural contexts.
Responsibilities:
1. Teach a 2/2 load of undergraduate and graduate courses, including core courses and offerings in the candidate’s area of specialization.
2. Develop and maintain an active, externally visible research agenda leading to publications and potential grant support.
3. Mentor and advise graduate students, including supervision of theses and dissertations.
4. Contribute to service at the departmental, college, and university levels.
5. Participate in the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention’s and Sociology data repository and lab or a similar initiative to support advanced quantitative analysis using large national datasets (preferred but not required).
1. Ph.D. in Sociology or Criminology by time of appointment.
2. Demonstrated expertise in rural sociology with emphasis on criminology, family, or social policy in rural contexts.
3. Evidence of strong quantitative skills and a mixed methods research portfolio.
4. Commitment to teaching excellence and graduate mentorship.
5. Interest in or experience with developing infrastructure for quantitative data analysis
(e.g., data labs, research centers) is desirable.
Preferred Areas of Interest:
1. Rural crime and justice systems
2. Social policy impacts on rural communities
3. Family structures and dynamics in rural settings
4. Quantitative research using national datasets
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Commensurate with Experience
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Rhonda Hawley at rhondah@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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