"Visiting Assistant Professor"

Visiting Assistant Professor

Company:
Virginia Tech

Job Location:
Blacksburg, 24061

Category:
Sociology

Type:
Full-Time

Job Description

The Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin August 10, 2026. We seek a colleague with a PhD in Sociology whose teaching and research interests will strengthen our undergraduate curriculum and departmental community. The ideal candidate will have experience integrating community-based research and/or experiential education into their teaching. Preferred areas of expertise include Environmental Sociology, Appalachian Studies, and/or Rural Sociology. We also welcome candidates who can teach general sociology courses, including introductory and foundational offerings that support the core curriculum. We especially value instructors who help students connect sociological ideas to lived experiences in rural and Appalachian contexts and who foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.

The successful candidate will teach a 3-3 undergraduate course load and will also devote 30% of their time to research and community outreach/extension during the appointment. Courses may include those focused on environmental sociology, Appalachian communities, community-engaged research approaches, rural sociology or general sociology classes depending on departmental needs. When appropriate, community-based learning activities and research may involve collaboration with Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension faculty.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Sociology by the time of appointment and should demonstrate an active and relevant research agenda, excellence in undergraduate teaching, the ability to mentor students, and a commitment to contributing positively to a supportive departmental community.

This is a full-time, non-tenure-track, one-year appointment with the possibility of multi-year renewal based on performance and the availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Sociology by the time of appointment
• An active and relevant research agenda
• Excellence in undergraduate teaching, with the ability to mentor students
• A commitment to contributing positively to a supportive departmental community

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred areas of expertise include Environmental Sociology, Appalachian Studies, and/or Rural Sociology.

Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Restricted

Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience

Review Date
March 15, 2026

Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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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