Assistant Professor Faculty Position in the Department of Sociology, with a focus on Livable and Resilient Cities

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in livable and resilient cities within the Department of Sociology. We seek candidates addressing urban inequality, housing equity, urban analytics, and related issues, with expertise in AI, quantitative, computational methods, and spatial analysis.

The successful candidate will contribute to BU's Livable and Resilient Cities cluster, engage in independent research, teaching, mentoring, and service, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Sociology or related field required.
• Strong teaching, mentoring, and service commitments.
• Active pursuit of innovative, independent research program.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research program and publish in peer-reviewed venues.
• Teach and mentor students across undergraduate and graduate levels; engage in service to department and university.

Skills

Teaching

Research leadership

Independent research

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Sociology

Tools

R

Python

GIS

Spatial analysis

Job description

Position Description

The Department of Sociology at the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in livable and resilient cities. We seek applicants whose research addresses complex urban questions and discovers innovative solutions theoretically, conceptually, and/or in terms of policy and practice. Areas of interest include urban inequality, poverty, and segregation, housing and equity, urban analytics, urban environmental challenges, urban health, crime, law and policing in urban contexts, and urban futures. We are particularly interested in scholars with expertise in AI, quantitative, and computational approaches and who rely on spatial analysis and/or mixed methods. This position is part of BU’s major investment in convergent research, bringing together bold ideas, deep expertise, and perspectives from across disciplines to take on society’s most critical challenges.

The position is part of a University-wide cluster hire in Livable and Resilient Cities, which builds on BU’s strength in Urban Development & Resilience. Spanning anthropology, biology, civic data science, environmental health, journalism, learning sciences, political science, sociology, and urban affairs, the cluster draws together BU’s strengths in urban scholarship to advance new approaches to creating healthier, more equitable, and adaptable cities.

The Department of Sociology fosters teaching and research that expands knowledge of human social behavior. Faculty research examines how housing, segregation, education, environmental change, public health, violence, neighborhood transformation, and urban policy shape opportunity and well-being in cities, advancing our understanding of urban life and inequality.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. Please visit https://www.bu.edu/values/ to learn more about our shared values.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Position Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree in Sociology or a related field, and a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, education, and mentorship of students. Successful candidates will be expected to lead an independent research program; actively engage in collaborative research; teach and mentor students; and provide rank-appropriate service to the department, university, and profession.

The salary allocated for this role is $115,000 to $130,000. Final salary determination and rank placement will be based on the candidate's academic record, research background, years of qualifying experience, and a variety of other factors, including but not limited to licenses, specialty, departmental budgets, training and internal pay comparison. The stated hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide a personal statement that describes the candidate’s interest in both the convergent area of Livable and Resilient Cities and the department; a curriculum vitae; a research statement describing their research interests and experience; a teaching and mentoring statement detailing their approach to teaching and mentoring in an inclusive and diverse learning environment; and the names and contact information of 3 references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until November 30.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.