Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty in Sociology
About The Position
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, is seeking to fill two tenure-track positions in Sociology within the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences, beginning August 2027. PLNU emphasizes quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a vibrant Christian environment that fosters intellectual engagement, character development, and service as an expression of faith. The university is committed to reflecting the diversity of God's kingdom and encourages applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty with strong teaching and scholarship skills or potential. The Sociology Program, housed within the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, offers programs in child and adolescent development, criminal justice, psychology, and social work, attracting students dedicated to building a more just and caring society. The department and school highly value cultural diversity and inclusive educational practices. Faculty are expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching within a Christian liberal arts context, potential for high-quality scholarship, and service. Applicants are invited to describe how their values align with the university's mission in their application materials.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Sociology
- Candidates who are ABD will be considered with the expectation that the degree will be completed by August 2027
- Commitment to developing and maintaining teaching excellence
- Commitment to developing and maintaining scholarly research
- Commitment to developing and maintaining student mentoring
- Evidence of a Christian commitment compatible with the Mission of Point Loma Nazarene University.
- Evidence of support for diverse peoples and perspectives
- Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
- The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
Nice To Haves
- A commitment to advancing research in the fields of sociology and/or criminology
- Evidence of teaching excellence
- Evidence of scholarly research productivity and a well-articulated research plan that would involve training undergraduate students in the research process
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students
- Experience in teaching research methods, quantitative and qualitative
Responsibilities
- Teach twelve units of undergraduate courses per semester (equivalent to four 3-unit courses) that include courses in the candidate’s area of expertise along with General Education and service courses.
- Advise and mentor students towards degree completion and post-graduate career plans.
- Create an environment that supports students with social barriers to higher education.
- Use active learning strategies informed by cultural humility, inclusivity, anti-racism, equity, and faith integration.
- Engage in scholarly activities such as research, writing, and conference presentations to stay current with developments in social theory, innovative pedagogy, and current literature.
- Engage in off-campus community service and community-engaged research and scholarship when possible.
- Participate in departmental activities and meetings, governance, and university service such as committee work.
- Collaborate with school and department faculty, including adjunct faculty, to foster belonging and a supportive community.
- Contribute to program assessment and improvement to support recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts of students from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching.
- opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California.
- faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, discussion groups and a robust wellness program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
