Visiting Assistant Professor

The Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position to begin August 10, 2026. We seek a colleague with a PhD in Sociology whose teaching and research interests will strengthen our undergraduate curriculum and departmental community. The ideal candidate will have experience integrating community-based research and/or experiential education into their teaching. Preferred areas of expertise include Environmental Sociology, Appalachian Studies, and/or Rural Sociology. We also welcome candidates who can teach general sociology courses, including introductory and foundational offerings that support the core curriculum. We especially value instructors who help students connect sociological ideas to lived experiences in rural and Appalachian contexts and who foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.

The successful candidate will teach a 3–3 undergraduate course load and will also devote 30% of their time to research and community outreach/extension during the appointment. Courses may include those focused on environmental sociology, Appalachian communities, community-engaged research approaches, rural sociology or general sociology classes depending on departmental needs. When appropriate, community-based learning activities and research may involve collaboration with Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension faculty.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Sociology by the time of appointment and should demonstrate an active and relevant research agenda, excellence in undergraduate teaching, the ability to mentor students, and a commitment to contributing positively to a supportive departmental community.

This is a full-time, non-tenure-track, one-year appointment with the possibility of multi-year renewal based on performance and the availability of funding. The application package should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a list of three references with email addresses, and a 1–2 page candidate statement that describes the applicant’s ability to integrate teaching, research, and community engagement, with particular attention to how this work is shaped by and contributes to the Virginia Tech context and the VT Principles of Community. Examples of experiences, activities, and plans can help the committee to identify candidates who strengthen the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Other documents welcome include teaching evaluations and sample syllabi. Questions should be directed to Dr. Shannon Bell (sbell33@vt.edu), Visiting Assistant Professor Search Committee Chair.