Tenure-Track Faculty Opening
Assistant Professor, Social Dimensions of Hazards and Disasters
Institute of Behavioral Science with Department of Sociology & Department of Geography
Application Deadline: Oct 15 2024
Job summary
The Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS), in collaboration with the Departments of Sociology
and Geography at the University of Colorado Boulder, invites applications for an Assistant
Professor studying the social dimensions of disasters. A Ph.D. is required. A major commitment
to and demonstrated excellence in research and the ability or potential to secure external
research funding are expected, as well as excellence in teaching at both graduate and
undergraduate levels. We are seeking applicants with a specialization in one or more areas
including the intersections of disasters, inequality, and environmental justice; inequalities as a
limiting factor for preparedness and mitigation; and inequalities as related to pre- and post-
disaster health and social outcomes. We are interested in applicants with qualitative and/or
quantitative methodological expertise, and in hiring a scholar whose research addresses
policies that tackle structural inequality through evidence-informed action. Tenure and teaching
responsibilities will be in the Department of Sociology or Geography. IBS recognizes that the
effectiveness and creativity of a group is strengthened by contributions from a broad range of
perspectives. As such, we particularly welcome applicants from groups that are historically
underrepresented in Sociology and Geography and/or have demonstrated leadership toward
building an equitable and inclusive scholarly environment.
Who we are
IBS is a research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since its establishment in
1957, IBS has provided a setting for interdisciplinary, collaborative research on problems of
societal concern. By engaging faculty from all the social and behavioral sciences at the
University of Colorado Boulder, IBS encourages work that transcends disciplinary boundaries,
that illuminates the complexity of social behavior and social life, and that has important
implications for social policy; IBS researchers are expected to conduct research that fulfills that
mission. IBS is organized into five research programs, each defined by an interdisciplinary area
of research and directed by a senior research scientist. This recruitment is sponsored by the
Institute’s Environment & Society Program, with support from the Population Program, Health &
Society Program, and the Program on International Development. IBS and CU Boulder have
strong commitments to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion for all members of our
community and for the subjects of our research. You can learn more about our DEI program
here: https://ibs.colorado.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/
What your key responsibilities will be
• Undertake continued research in your specialization, and to secure external funding to
support that research.
• Engage as a full member of the Institute, with an office in the Institute and a significant
contribution to the intellectual life of IBS.
• Engage as an active affiliate of the Natural Hazards Center.
• Teach graduate and undergraduate classes in the department in which your tenure
home is located.
• Participate fully in the academic life and governance of the Institute and the University’s
schools, colleges, and departments.
What you should know
Teaching faculty positions in IBS are budgeted in the Institute and hold tenure in an academic
department, where their teaching responsibilities are determined.
As part of CU Boulder’s deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the campus has
implemented a reference check pilot program with respect to final applicants for tenured faculty
appointments. The reference check pilot program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and
review information about an applicant’s conduct at their current and previous institutions,
specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before
making hiring decisions. All final applicants for tenured faculty appointments are required to
complete an Authorization to Release Information.
What We Can Offer
Annual Salary Range is $85,000-$110,000 for a 9-month appointment. Summer salary is
possible, subject to availability of external funding.
Benefits Language For External Applicants
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid
time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. CU Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder
County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University
of Colorado Boulder.
Benefits Language For Internal Applicants
Learn more about our benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition
benefit, and ECO Pass.
What We Require
• A Ph.D. in Geography, Sociology, or a closely related field is required prior to the start
date.
• Appropriate to your career stage, applicants are expected to have:
o an established and ongoing program of original research,
o a strong publication record,
o a demonstrated ability or potential to obtain external funding, and
o a record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.
What we would like you to have
• Demonstrate a strong capacity for, and a commitment to, interdisciplinary approaches
and collaborative research across multiple disciplines.
• Applicants with strong prospects and opportunities for external research funding will be
preferred.
Special Application Instructions For Applicants
The following application materials are to be submitted online:
• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of application, maximum two pages, describing your research specializations
and teaching interests, and how your future work will engage with the Institute’s current
scholarship and strategic priorities.
• A statement about your research experience and goals (up to two pages)
• A statement about your teaching experience and goals (up to two pages)
• A statement about your contributions to diversity, equity and inclusivity in teaching,
service, and research, as well as your plans for future activities (up to two pages
combined into one file).
• At least one, and no more than three samples of your written work.
• Three confidential letters of recommendation.
For full consideration, please apply by October 15, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled. For questions, please contact Professor Mara Goldman,
Mara.Goldman@colorado.edu
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply
through CU Boulder Jobs; https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Assistant-Professor/59091
