Assistant Professor in Sociology

Position Details

Position Information

Winthrop Position Title Assistant Professor in Sociology Job Description

The Winthrop University Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position beginning January 1, 2027. The successful candidate will have an active research agenda and be able to teach a variety of courses in a combined sociology program, particularly courses within the General Sociology and Social Inequalities Concentrations. Candidates will also teach Social Theory and Qualitative Research Methods. The area of specialization should allow the individual to contribute coursework in at least one of the following areas: Sociology of Technology, the User Experience (UX) research Concentration, Medical Sociology, and/or Urban Sociology.

The preferred candidate will demonstrate potential for teaching and research involving students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Requirements for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor include a Ph.D. in sociology or related field (ABD will be considered), evidence of teaching excellence and commitment to student learning, and evidence of an ongoing program of research and publication. We seek a broadly trained teacher-scholar interested in involving undergraduate students in experiential learning. The candidate will also advise undergraduates and participate in other service to the university.

The department supports a thriving B.A. program in sociology with concentrations in anthropology, social inequalities, criminology, pre-law, and User Experience (UX) Research, as well as a separate B.A. in Criminal Justice. Winthrop, a small public comprehensive university, boasts a highly diverse student body of approximately 5,000 students and has been a top-ranked regional university for more than 20 consecutive years.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate Sociology courses, including introductory Sociology, Social Inequalities, and Social Theory/Qualitative Research Methods
• Develop and deliver engaging instruction using various teaching modalities
• Maintain a standard teaching load of 12 contact hours per semester.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship to undergraduate students.
• Develop and sustain a scholarly identity and an independent research program that will spark student interests in programs housed in the Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology department.
• Participate actively in university service, including committee work, curriculum development and campus initiatives.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student achievement and academic excellence
• Have strong interpersonal skills and an overall commitment to student success and engagement

About the College

To learn more about the College of Arts & Sciences please visit:

https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports.

Benefits

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit:

https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx

Background Check

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability 01/01/2026 Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Sociology or related field is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (ABD will be considered)
• Experience teaching or demonstrated potential to teach sociology courses including Social Theory and Qualitative Research methods.
• Evidence of teaching excellence and an ongoing commitment to student learning
• Evidence of ongoing program of research, ideally involving undergraduates, and the potential for publication
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to one or more of the following areas: Sociology of Technology, the User Experience (UX) Research Concentration, Medical Sociology, and/or Urban Sociology
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research including, but not limited to, research lab supervision, coauthoring with students, and bringing students to conferences
• Interest in contributing to the major by offering a wide variety of courses including introductory courses
• Research that compliments existing departmental expertise and highlights the applied nature of sociology.

Employment Conditions

Position is full-time, nine-month, tenure-track with an expectation of summer employment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications.

Application Instructions

First consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if a suitable candidate has not been found.

• Letter of application that addresses the position, with statement of teaching philosophy
• Cover letter that includes ways the candidate can contribute to Winthrop's curriculum and a planned research trajectory;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Graduate transcripts demonstrating a terminal degree or a master's degree with at least 18hrs in the discipline (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial review; official transcripts must be provided for a final appointment)
• Letters of recommendation from three academic professionals
• List with contact information for three professional references

Please address questions to Dr. Brad Tripp, Department Chair (trippb@winthrop.edu).

Open Date 07/02/2026 Application Review Date Close Date Posting Number 2027FC0002P

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Faculty-Letter of application and statement of teaching philosophy
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Faculty-All graduate transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Recommendation #2
• Letter of Recommendation #3
• Faculty - List of References

Optional Documents