Political Science Research Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

Job Family Group:
Faculty
Time Type:
Full time
Department/Office:
Sociology & Anthropology
Exemption Status:
Exempt
Job Description:
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is hiring an Assistant Professor of Sociology with open speciality. Preference will be given to candidates who study Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, or Indigenous Peoples and Native Nations. The subject of scholarship is open, with special interest in candidates with expertise in border studies, diaspora studies, education, immigration, spatial analysis, or urban studies. Candidates should have had previous experience with sole-taught courses. The candidate will be expected to be able to teach lower-division courses such as Introduction to Sociology and develop upper-division courses of their choice in their area of specialization.
BACKGROUND
Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution, founded in 1869. Trinity offers high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs as represented by the four schools (STEM, Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Civic Engagement, and Business) to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students from the U.S. and more than 45 countries. The attractive campus overlooks downtown San Antonio, a city rich in heritage and ethnic diversity. Additional information can be found on the Resource Guide to Trinity & San Antonio.
Trinity University's commitment to recruitment and retention of talented scholars includes an extensive orientation process with mentors, and the opportunities to apply for summer research funds, a fully-funded semester-long junior research leave, and regular, fully-funded post-tenure research leaves.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is part of the School of Social Science & Civic Engagement, home to six academic departments and four interdisciplinary programs. The School has a long record of involvement in interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the School and across the University. It prizes experiential learning opportunities for Trinity students, including research with faculty, consulting for local civic organizations, and teaching in San Antonio schools.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is an interdisciplinary department with 11 faculty members, offering majors and minors in Sociology and Anthropology. Our faculty contribute to interdisciplinary programs across campus, including Environmental Studies, International Studies, Women and Gender Studies, and Urban Studies. We are located in the heart of San Antonio, the sixth-largest city in the United States, two hours north of the Mexico border. The department has a long history of international and community-engaged research.
Both the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the University as a whole value and safeguard academic freedom for faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Trinity is guided by a set of core values and is committed to implementing practices in pursuit of an inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff to feel welcomed and engaged in a community of learning.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching: Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate level classes, both required foundational courses and courses in the special interests of the candidate. Participation in the First Year Experience program is highly encouraged. The teaching load is 3-2 with course sizes of approximately 12-24 students.
Research: Consistent and productive scholarly activity, including original research, attendance at conferences or other professional events, and publication of research.
Service: Advising majors, service to the department, university, profession, and community.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
This is a tenure-track position. This position will be a nine-month appointment starting August 2027, with a standard tenure-track probationary period.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Required: A Ph.D in Sociology before August 1, 2027
EXPERIENCE
Required: Experience teaching coursework to undergraduate students, including a sole-taught course.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Evidence of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level.
• Published peer-reviewed scholarship.
• Robust methods and substantive engagement with sociological theory.
• A commitment to Trinity University's liberal arts mission.
• A commitment to Trinity University's value of intentional inclusion.
• An ability to contribute to Trinity University's interdisciplinary programs.

HOW TO APPLY
For internal applicants, please apply through Workday using the 'Jobs Hub' application, see instructions provided here.
For external applicants, when starting the application, select "Apply Manually." Only complete fields with a red asterisk, which are required.Please create your Workday application account using a personal email address, as you will need to maintain access to this account throughout the pre-hire process, if selected.
For all applicants, you do not need to complete the "(Work) Experience," "Education," "Certifications," or "Languages" fields - these details will be provided in your curriculum vitae.
In the "Application Documents" field, please upload the following as seen below,
each as a separate pdf file [note: a maximum of five (5) files can be uploaded]:

• File 1: A CV with three potential references listed to be contacted if chosen as finalist
• File 2: Cover letter
• File 3: Teaching statement and example of syllabus (as one PDF)
• File 4: One to three writing samples (as one PDF)
• File 5: Intentional inclusion statement - Intentional Inclusion is a core value at Trinity University. Please provide a brief (1-2 page) reflection on the ways that you might contribute to cultivating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Provide examples of how that relates to your teaching, research/scholarship and other professional activities.

The committee will begin reviewing applications on August 15, 2026.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact department and search chair Amy Stone at astone@trinity.edu with any questions.
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting an application. If you have revisions needed to an application already submitted or need help submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 210-999-7507 or email humanresources@trinity.edu.