2025-2026 Lecturer/Teaching Specialist: Sociology

The Department of Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs Teaching Specialists or Lecturers to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or advanced graduate students.

Course topics may include but are not limited to:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Criminal Behavior & Social Control
• Social Theory
• Race & Racism in the US
• Soc Perspectives on Race, Class and Gender
• Criminology

These positions are part-time, temporary and for a single semester teaching in person courses. These positions are contingent upon student enrollment and availability of funding. Additional semesters may be available based on need, funding, and performance.

This does not constitute a posting for vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur during the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications will not be acknowledged upon receipt and will only be reviewed should openings occur. Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding, and performance.

Lecturers/Teaching Specialists will be expected to teach assigned undergraduate courses, hold office hours, and advise students.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants with a Ph.D. in Sociology or related field, or substantial professional recognition in the field, and one (1) year of college level teaching experience is required to be appointed as Lecturer.

Applicants with a M.A. degree in Sociology or related field with one
(1) academic term (quarter or semester) of teaching experience will be appointed as Teaching Specialist.

Our community consists of 28 faculty, approximately 65 graduate students, and over 500 undergraduate majors. Our research focuses on four primary areas: Demography, Family & Life Course; Global, Transnational, & Comparative Sociology; Inequalities & Culture; and Law, Crime, Punishment & Human Rights. We are committed to engaged scholarship and excellence in teaching. During our 100 plus year history, we have established a tradition of internationalism, interdisciplinarity, and civic- mindedness.

The Department of Sociology strives to provide a productive work environment for women and men from varying racial, ethnic, social, and national backgrounds. Applications from scholars of color are strongly encouraged.

To learn more about our department, please visit the website at cla.umn.edu/sociology.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints?so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay Range: $8,200 - $8,600 per course; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position requires that you attach 1) a current curriculum vitae, and 2) the names and contact information for three references. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

*The application should list content areas of expertise and address previous experience as it relates to your interest in teaching specific sociology courses. To reiterate, applications will be reviewed and considered as needed for openings. Information for qualified persons will be kept on file until May 2026.

Any questions regarding this posting should be directed to Ann Miller, Assistant to the Chair, at mille620@umn.edu.

This position will remain open until filled. Priority review will begin as needed.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).