Assistant Professor of Social Work

Summary of Job Duties

The School of Social Work in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to start in August 2027. This is a standard nine-month faculty appointment. This faculty position is part of the Arkansas Health Research and Solutions cluster hire at the University of Arkansas.

About the Department

The School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas, housed within the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, advances social, economic, and environmental justice through excellence in education, research, and community engagement. As part of Arkansas' land-grant institution, the School prepares ethical, competent, and evidence-informed social work practitioners committed to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities across Arkansas, the Ozark region, nationally, and globally. The School offers fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs, delivering rigorous curricula across traditional face-to-face and online learning platforms. Our faculty lead dynamic research programs in rural health disparities, health equity, child welfare, aging, the criminal justice system, macro policy analysis, and behavioral health. The School emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, robust community partnerships, and student-centered mentorship in an academic environment that values research excellence and applied practice. We are dedicated to fostering a community of culturally competent social work leader-practitioners. Through student-centered experiential learning, rigorous research, and committed community engagement, we prepare our students to become advocates for social and economic justice and equity. Our program integrates classroom knowledge with real-world application. We aim to empower social workers who will enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Arkansas and globally, believing that through our efforts, Arkansas can truly be a land of opportunity for all.

Responsibilities

• 40% Teaching or Professional Performance
• 40% Research/Scholarly and/or Creative Activities
• 20% Academic Service Activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Social Work or a closely related field from an accredited institution (ABD considered, provided doctorate is completed prior to the start date) conferred by the start of employement
• Eligibility for social work licensure in Arkansas
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in university-level teaching
• Demonstrated potential for developing a strong, sustainable research agenda and securing external funding

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of post-MSW practice experience
• Demonstrated track record of community-engaged research or interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong record of successful publication and/or external funding in the thematic and/or methodological areas of position focus

Additional Information

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant's background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

Required Documents to Apply

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
• Other (see special instructions for details)
• Writing Sample

Recruitment Contact Information

Marcia Shobe, professor, mshobe@uark.edu
LaShawnda Fields, associate professor, lnfields@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site. Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Completed applications received by October 25, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position. For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee co-chairs, Marcia Shobe and LaShawnda Fields at mshobe@uark.edu or lnfields@uark.edu.

Applicants must submit:

• A cover letter
• Narrative detailing teaching philosophy, research agenda, and qualification fit
• A curriculum vitae
• Three (3) Professional Reference Letters (including name, title, institution, email, and phone number)
• A sample of scholarly writing or publication
• Teaching evaluations when applicable

We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

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