Job Details
Position Overview
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare (KUSSW) invites applications for two open-rank, tenure-track or tenured professor positions beginning in Fall 2027. As part of a strategic investment in strengthening the KUSSW’s quantitative and data-informed research enterprise, we seek scholars with a strong, externally fundable research agenda who use quantitative, computational, or other data-informed methods to address pressing social challenges. We are particularly interested in candidates…
whose scholarship advances racial, social, economic, and environmental justice through rigorous empirical research, including the analysis of social systems, policy and program evaluation, and population-level outcomes using large administrative or other complex data sets. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Social Work or an M.S.W. with a Ph.D. in a closely related field by the time of appointment (August 2027).
Successful candidates will contribute to the KUSSW’s nationally recognized educational programs through excellence in teaching and mentoring. We seek faculty whose scholarly expertise and teaching interests align with macro social work practice, social policy, community practice, program evaluation, and closely related areas. Faculty teach across the School’s B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D., and D.S.W. programs, which are offered through in-person, online, evening, and weekend formats to serve students throughout Kansas and beyond.
KUSSW is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive educational environment for students, faculty, and staff. We seek colleagues whose research, teaching, and service reflect the values and ethics of the social work profession and align with the School’s Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles.
This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
About The KUSSW
The KUSSW is situated in the beautiful, historic, and culturally vibrant cities spanning Lawrence and the Kansas City metropolitan area, with satellite partnerships across the state of Kansas. Co-located in Lawrence with Haskell Indian Nations University, the School of Social Welfare partners with Haskell in mutually supporting the academic programs of each institution through research, programs, and services. KUSSW and Haskell play a central role in the life of the University of Kansas.
The main campus of the KU School of Social Welfare is in Lawrence and offers BSW, MSW, and PhD degree programs. The KU Edwards Campus is in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, and offers BSW and MSW courses. The MSW program is also offered at our partnership site at Kansas State University - Salina. We also offer fully online DSW and MSW Programs. We encourage you to consider joining us in this growth as we continually strive to reinvent, innovate, transform, and educate through quality education, research advancement, and community engagement.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
Job Description
About KU
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university that serves as a center for learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor. The University of Kansas is the only state university in Kansas to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), a select group of 62 public and private research universities that represent excellence in graduate and professional education and the highest achievements in research internationally. The University enrolls more than 31,000 students, offers 5,000 courses, more than 400 degree and certificate programs and employs 2,800 faculty members, many of them at the top of their fields. In KU’s dynamic, cross-disciplinary research and learning environment, students exchange ideas, discover new ways of processing the world, and address society’s grand challenges.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Allocation of Effort:
40% Research – Establish a community-engaged research program focused on advancing racial, social, economic, and/or environmental justice; publish scholarly manuscripts; engage in scholarly and community-based publications and presentations; impact the local, national, and/or international community with their research.
40% Teaching – Teach two classes per semester (four classes per year) across the BSW, MSW, PhD, and DSW curricula.
20% Service – Participate in school, university, community, and professional service activities.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) descriptions of research, teaching, and service in the letter of application and statements, (2) record of accomplishments and productivity included in CV and (3) information from three professional references.
- A PhD in social work, OR or a Master of Social Work and a PhD in a closely related field by August 2027.
- A research agenda focused on advancing social, racial, economic, and/or environmental justice, with evidence of scholarly productivity and a record of, or strong potential for, securing externally funded research
- Teaching experience in a CSWE accredited social work program.
- Demonstrated commitment to social work values and the KUSSW mission, vision, and guiding principles and values.
- Strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by application materials and interview process.
For Rank of Associate Professor: All of the above plus a productive record of teaching excellence in social work and demonstrated excellent scholarship as shown through publications that have enabled the candidate to be successfully promoted to an Associate Professor at a research-oriented university of a similar or higher research profile as the University of Kansas.
For Rank of Full Professor: All of the above plus an established record of teaching excellence in social work and a sustained record of excellent scholarship as shown through publications that have enabled the candidate to be successfully promoted to Full Professor at a research-oriented university of a similar or higher research profile as the University of Kansas.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application package will include:
- Online application
- Cover letter describing
- your interest in the position;
- alignment with the School’s Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles and Values.
- commitment to social, racial, economic, and environmental justice in research, teaching and service, and
- anticipated opportunities with, and contributions to KU and the SSW.
- Curriculum vitae
- Research Statement
- Teaching Statement
- Examples of Scholarship (one or two peer-reviewed publications or working papers to be submitted for peer review)
- List of three professional references. Note: Letters of recommendation are not required at the time of application. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to a later stage of the search.
Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered.
Review of applications will begin September 14 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is obtained. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the positions are filled.
Contact Information to Applicants
Meredith Bagwell-Gray, PhD, LMSW
Associate Professor
Email: Meredith.bagwell-gray@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Monday September 14, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday August 18, 2027
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!