Instructor in Social Sciences

University of Chicago

University of Chicago – Division of the Social Sciences
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Position Type: Full-time, Career-Track Teaching and Advising
Rank: Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor
Start Date: Academic Year 2026-27
Appointment: Initial three-year term, renewable with promotion opportunities
Application Deadline: Review begins March 2, 2026; open until filled

Program Overview

The Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) provides students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students may concentrate in psychology, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or interdisciplinary research. They conduct research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty or MAPSS Instructional Professors (IPs). MAPSS prepares students for doctoral study or professional advancement, supported by an in-house Career Services team.

MAPSS Program Website

Position Description

MAPSS IPs are full-time teaching faculty with responsibilities in:

Teaching:

  • Up to 4 courses annually within MAPSS (part of 6-course teaching load per year)

  • Includes teaching “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis” core course

  • Graduate seminars introducing social science research methodologies

  • Courses oriented toward MA and/or undergraduate students

Mentoring / Advising:

  • Precepting students on course selection and independent research projects

  • Supervising capstone projects and serving as second readers on theses

  • Advising students and alumni applying to PhD programs

  • Office hours and ongoing academic/professional guidance

Service:

  • Participation in admissions, recruiting, and co-curricular academic programming

  • Hiring and managing teaching assistants

  • Contributing to program operations and decision-making committees

Professional Development:

  • Funding for conferences and workshops

  • Mentorship from senior members of MAPSS instructional team

  • Opportunities to participate in intellectual life of the University

Qualifications

  • PhD in Sociology or a related discipline (required before start date)

  • Prior teaching experience in the social sciences

  • Preferred: experience mentoring students on original research projects

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit materials online via Interfolio: apply.interfolio.com/177109

Required Materials:

  1. Cover letter (outlining training, research, teaching, mentoring experience, and suggested courses)

  2. Curriculum vitae

  3. Doctoral transcript (unofficial acceptable)

  4. Article-length writing sample

  5. At least one course syllabus designed by the candidate

  6. Course evaluations or evidence of prior teaching/mentoring experience

  7. Teaching statement

  8. Three letters of recommendation

Review of Applications: Begins March 2, 2026, and continues until position is filled

Benefits

Union Affiliation

  • Service Employees International Union

Additional Information

  • Applicants receive a free Interfolio Dossier account

  • Help with signing up, accessing accounts, or submitting materials:

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