Medical Sociology Job Announcement

The Department of Sociology in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for an open rank (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor) faculty appointment in Sociology beginning Fall 2008. Tenure status is subject to negotiation depending on qualification.

The Department of Sociology at UNM offers a comprehensive program of undergraduate and graduate studies that focus on themes in criminology, comparative sociology, Latin American society, race/ethnic relations, gender, family, social policy, health and wellness, and human services. Faculty members and students conduct research on major sociological issues of global, national, and regional significance. The Department provides expertise and community service through applied projects, public lectures, and consultation. By addressing issues of importance to diverse populations, faculty and students in the Department devote special attention to the Southwestern region and the unique conditions of New Mexico. The Department accomplishes its mission partly through affiliation with the Institute for Social Research, the Latin American and Iberian Institute, and the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions.

The RWJF Center for Health Policy aims to increase the number of Hispanic and Native American PhD graduates in the social sciences with expertise in health policy. According to the Center’s mission, these graduates will participate as leaders in achieving progressive changes in US health policies at the national level. In January 2007 RWJF awarded initial and renewable funding of $18.5 million for the first five years. The Center will serve as a national resource for minority health policy research and will provide a voice for Hispanics, Native Americans, and other underrepresented groups in health policy discussions. In its educational and research goals, the Center fosters collaboration among the social science departments in the College of Arts and Sciences (Economics, Political Science, and Sociology) and Health Sciences Center (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health).

The successful candidate will be a scholar chosen on the basis of strength and breadth of performance, according to the following selection criteria:

1) active research agenda and publication history congruent with the missions of the Department of Sociology (http://www.unm.edu/~socdept) and the RWJ Center (http://rwjf.unm.edu);

2) academic preparation and ability to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in sociology and any of the following areas of specialization: medical sociology, demography, epidemiology, public health, and health policy; and

3) ability to supervise graduate students, in studies leading to the doctoral degree in sociology, with a focus on health policy.

Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in interdisciplinary and community-oriented research in medical sociology, public health, and/or health policy pertinent to Hispanic/Latino or Native American populations.

Minimum qualification is a doctoral degree in sociology, demography, social epidemiology, public health, or a closely related field, to be awarded by August 15, 2008. 

For best consideration, all application materials should be received by March 1, 2008. The position will remain open until filled. A complete application should include:

1. a signed letter describing the applicant's qualifications and objectives,

2. a curriculum vitae,

3. at least two pertinent journal articles or chapters, published or in press,

4. a brief statement research agenda, and

5. at least three letters of recommendation. 

Please provide all contact information including e-mail address.  

Address applications and inquiries to:

Professor Roberto A. Ibarra, Chair, Search Committee

Department of Sociology, MSC05-3080

1915 Roma NE, room 1103

1 University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Phone: 505.277.2501

Fax: 505.277.8805

E-mail: raibarra@unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator.