Job Information
University of Mississippi Director, Center-Population Studies & Professor in Oxford, Mississippi
This Position is for a Director, Center for Population Studies and Professor of Sociology with a public university work location in University, MS.
Position Description
Director, Center for Population Studies
Professor of Sociology (open rank), Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Job Location: Oxford, MS
Position Details
The Department of Sociology & Anthropology invites applications for a sociologist at any rank (full, associate, or advanced assistant professor), to begin in July 2024 as the Director of UM's Center for Population Studies and State Data Center of Mississippi.
The Center for Population Studies is a research center housed within the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Seeking a tenured (or near-tenured) sociologist of proven research and teaching ability, with an emphasis in one or more of the following areas: rural sociology, community development, demography, applied sociology, health, or education. Research focus should be on the contemporary United States, with preference for those working in the South.
Both the Center for Population Studies and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology are committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for scholars and students from historically underrepresented groups.
This position will lead a growing well-established research center with a successful history of externally funded projects in community-focused research on health, education, workforce development, and demography. The Center has a diverse funding portfolio that includes federal, state, private, and foundation dollars. The Center's dynamic team works across its subunits to educate, conduct research, and engage in public outreach concerning population issues across a wide range of fields. This includes work with Federal, State, and local governments, community-based agencies, non-profits, and community groups.
The Center comprises three primary units: (1) the State Data Center of Mississippi (SDC), (2) the Applied Policy and Community Research Laboratory (APCRL), and (3) the Society and Health (SOHE) academic minor. The SDC is a joint program between the U.S. Census Bureau and the State of Mississippi. Its responsibilities include disseminating census-related data, offering instruction on data access and analysis, and acting as a liaison between the Census Bureau and the public data users. APCRL's mission is to provide timely insights on emerging policy issues in the state through its research and policy briefs. Within the Center, the SOHE academic minor introduces undergraduate students to interdisciplinary research on health and well-being. The Center uses these programming units to offer both undergraduate and graduate students a distinctive research and technical training experience within an academic community-based research environment.
The Center Director will serve as the chief researcher and head of the unit's administrative office, ensuring adherence to University and funding policies and guidelines. Reporting to the Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, the Director also holds the responsibility of overseeing diverse stakeholder relationships, particularly with entities in State and Federal government.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Sociology, Demography, or Rural Sociology is required by the time of appointment.
The prospective Director should possess a proven record of accomplishment in leadership, securing grant funding, and managing projects. Candidates should have an active scholarly research agenda, evidenced by a consistent record of external funding, grant oversight, and expertise in leading teams of both staff and students.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.