The University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences invites applications for appointment as Instructional Professor (IP) at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, 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 quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and identity.
This is a full-time, career track teaching and advising position that involves designing graduate seminars, mentoring students on research projects, and helping a diverse range of students navigate graduate school. The initial three-year appointment will begin in Academic Year 2026-27 and is renewable with opportunity for promotion. Academic rank and compensation (including a generous package of fringe benefits) are dependent upon qualifications.
MAPSS is a one-year program providing students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students concentrate in psychology, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or in interdisciplinary research, and conduct research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty or MAPSS IPs. MAPSS recruits talented students from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and trajectories. Some go on to doctoral study after MAPSS, but most use the degree to advance their careers with the help of an in-house Career Services team.
IP at UChicago teach up to 6 courses per year. In MAPSS, IP have an annual teaching load of 4 courses, in addition to substantial mentoring and service responsibilities. Their courses include 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.
MAPSS IP perform substantive roles as preceptors, a position that involves advising students on quarterly course selection and independent research projects, supervising capstone projects, serving as 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.
MAPSS IP fulfill a range of service requirements. They participate in admissions and recruiting as well as other co-curricular academic programming. They hire and manage teaching assistants, participate in staff meetings, and contribute to program operations, including participating in the student academic conference or serving on decision-making committees (e.g. student prizes).
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.
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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.
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Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email [email protected] with their request.