Open Rank, Tenured/Tenure Track Professor in Social Work

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare (KUSSW) invites applications for two open-rank, tenure-track or tenured professor positions beginning in Fall 2027. As part of a strategic investment in strengthening KUSSW’s quantitative and data-informed research enterprise, we seek scholars with a strong, externally fundable research agenda who use quantitative, computational, or other data-informed methods to address pressing social challenges. We are particularly interested in candidates whose scholarship advances racial, social, economic, and environmental justice through rigorous empirical research, including the analysis of social systems, policy and program evaluation, and population-level outcomes using large administrative or other complex data sets.

About the role

Successful candidates will contribute to KUSSW’s nationally recognized educational programs through excellence in teaching and mentoring. Faculty teach across the School’s B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D., and D.S.W. programs, which are offered through in-person, online, evening, and weekend formats to serve students throughout Kansas and beyond. The allocation of effort is 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service.

• Research: Establish a community-engaged research program focused on advancing racial, social, economic, and/or environmental justice; publish scholarly manuscripts; engage in scholarly and community-based publications and presentations; impact the local, national, and/or international community with their research.
• Teaching: Teach two classes per semester (four classes per year) across the BSW, MSW, PhD, and DSW curricula.
• Service: Participate in school, university, community, and professional service activities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Social Work or an M.S.W. with a Ph.D. in a closely related field by August 2027.
• A research agenda focused on advancing social, racial, economic, and/or environmental justice, with evidence of scholarly productivity and a record of, or strong potential for, securing externally funded research.
• Teaching experience in a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• Demonstrated commitment to social work values and the KUSSW mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Qualifications by Rank

• Associate Professor: All of the above plus a productive record of teaching excellence in social work and demonstrated excellent scholarship as shown through publications that have enabled the candidate to be successfully promoted to an Associate Professor at a research-oriented university of a similar or higher research profile as the University of Kansas.
• Full Professor: All of the above plus an established record of teaching excellence in social work and a sustained record of excellent scholarship as shown through publications.

About KUSSW

The KUSSW is situated in the culturally vibrant cities spanning Lawrence and the Kansas City metropolitan area, with satellite partnerships across Kansas. The School partners with Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, supporting mutual academic programs through research, programs, and services. KUSSW offers BSW, MSW, and PhD programs at its main campus in Lawrence, BSW and MSW courses at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, and MSW programs at partnership sites at Pittsburg State University and Kansas State University-Salina. Fully online DSW and MSW programs are also available.

About KU

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university, holding membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). KU enrolls over 28,000 students, offers more than 400 degree and certificate programs, and employs 2,800 faculty members. The university fosters a dynamic, cross-disciplinary research and learning environment, emphasizing respectful dialogue, debate, and a culture of care where each person is valued.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics (UAKU). The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment. Review of applications begins September 14, 2026, with an anticipated start date of August 18, 2027.