Open Rank, Tenured/Tenure Track Professor in Social Work

University of Kansas • Lawrence, KS

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Scholars with a strong, externally fundable research agenda who use quantitative, computational, or other data-informed methods to address pressing social challenges.
• 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.
• Scholarly expertise and teaching interests align with macro social work practice, social policy, community practice, program evaluation, and closely related areas.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Teach two classes per semester (four classes per year) across the BSW, MSW, PhD, and DSW curricula.
• Participate in school, university, community, and professional service activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior