About this role
Assistant Professor - Social Work
Position Description: The Social Work Program in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, in-person, tenure-track, 9-month Assistant Professor beginning September 1, 2027. Tenure-track faculty are expected to maintain a research agenda, teach two courses each long semester, as assigned and in accordance with program needs, as well as to engage in service activities with the university, the community, and/or the profession. Applicants must have a strong identification with the mission and core values of Social Work. We particularly welcome scholars whose work complements and extends existing program strengths and who demonstrate potential for interdisciplinary collaboration, externally supported scholarship, and engagement with communities in West Texas and beyond.
About the University: Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
About the College: Founded in 1925 as one of the university’s four original colleges, the College of Arts and Sciences is comprised of 15 departments offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The college enrolls over 10,000 students, representing over a quarter of the Texas Tech University student population. In addition to its growth, the college maintains a 22:1 student to faculty ratio.
About the Department/School/Area: The Social Work Program is housed in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. The BASW program was initially accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1979. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program, offering an advanced generalist approach with a focus on health and well-being, was established in 2015 and is fully accredited through 2031. Currently, 12 full-time faculty lines and 2 full-time staff positions are dedicated to preparing BASW- and MSW-level students.
Major/Essential Functions: In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
As a faculty member in the Social Work Program, you will be expected to develop and sustain an active scholarship program, pursue external funding, publish in high-quality peer-reviewed outlets, and disseminate their scholarship at professional conferences. Faculty members are also expected to teach and mentor students, and contribute service to the university, the community, and the profession.
Faculty Qualifications: • MSW or equivalent degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution. • A doctorate in social work or a related field (ABD candidates must upload a statement from their major advisor attesting that they will complete their PhD prior to the start of the position). • Demonstrated eligibility for any master's level professional social work license issued by the State of Texas, as evidenced by meeting the licensure requirements established by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
• 2+ years of post-MSW social work practice experience. • A record of scholarly publication and demonstrated potential to pursue external funding. • Experience teaching social work as an instructor of record for college- or university-level coursework.
Safety Information: Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include the following documents in your application: • Curriculum Vitae: Please explicitly document your post-MSW social work practice experience and your eligibility for professional licensure. • Cover Letter: Please address your teaching philosophy/approach, research agenda, and practice experience. • Names, credentials, and contact information for at least three professional references familiar with your experience in research, teaching, and/or practice
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Seungjong Cho, Search Committee Chair at [email protected]. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] or 806-742-3851.
Pay Statement: Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.