Lecturer (Sociology)

Position Title: Lecturer (Sociology)

Department: Sociology & Anthropology

Advertised Pay:

Campus Location: Washburn University

Position Summary:

Washburn University's Department of Sociology and Anthropology invites applications for a Sociology Lecturer to begin in August 2027. This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track position with a renewable annual contract.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.

The Sociology program offers students the opportunity to participate in community-engaged learning, conduct research independently, and study abroad. Classes and advising cohorts are small, allowing for meaningful faculty-student collaboration.

About Washburn University:

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For program.

Essential Functions:

• Fulfill teaching expectations associated with non-tenure-track appointment. Teach 12 credit hours per semester (either in-person or online, according to departmental needs) or equivalent full-time workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Teach and develop undergraduate classes and seminars as assigned, dependent upon department needs, which may include Criminology, Deviance, Social Problems, or some combination of classes consistent with the candidate’s training and interests.
• Advise students and engage in service expectations associated with a non-tenure-track appointment.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Sociology; ABD applicants will be considered, with completion of the doctorate by August 2028.
• Experience teaching undergraduate sociology course(s).
• Evidence of excellence in teaching at the university level.
• Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.
• Official educational transcripts required at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as the sole instructor for undergraduate sociology course(s).
• Experience teaching courses in Social Problems.
• Experience teaching courses in Criminology, Deviance, and/or Law and Society.
• Documented department and/or university service.

Special Instructions to Applicants: • Please upload the following items as a .pdf file to the “additional document” field in the electronic application: A cover letter including a statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching excellence. Contact information for three professional references will be collected as part of the application.

• If you have questions about the position, please contact Dr. Lindsey Ibañez, Search Committee Chair, at lindsey.ibanez@washburn.edu .
• The successful candidate will be required to provide official transcripts and to submit to a background check prior to hire.

Application Deadline: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by October 1, 2026.

Background Check Required

Washburn University is committed to providing an environment for individuals to pursue educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination and/or harassment. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.