The University of Chicago

Social Sciences Division
Location Chicago, IL

Deadline
Jan 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Social Sciences Division invites applications from current and recent University of Chicago graduate students in the Division for a competitive two-year program designed to enhance their pedagogical skills and research profiles. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in their original scholarship, as well as in teaching. Successful candidates will be appointed as part-time Lecturers to teach four courses per year at the undergraduate level. The teaching load will likely include a combination of general education “Core” courses, and courses in majors and programs that relate to Fellows’ expertise. The starting salary for AY21-22 is yet to be determined. Fellows will also participate in a structured program of professional development under the supervision of the Faculty Director of the Social Sciences Teaching Fellows program, the Chicago Center for Teaching (CCT), and their faculty mentor in a relevant Social Sciences Division department. Each Fellow will be provided with a work space, library privileges, and access to career service support through UChicago Grad. Fellows must be in-residence on campus during the three quarters of the academic year. Teaching Fellows positions are part-time to allow Fellows time to pursue their research agendas and opportunities for career advancement. During fall, winter, and spring quarters Teaching Fellows are prohibited from accepting any other on-campus employment. Any additional summer work must be pre-approved by the Provost’s Office before the start of the additional job. The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the University.

Notification and Start of Program: Successful Teaching Fellows and alternates will be notified in March 2021. The Fellow’s appointment will begin Autumn Quarter 2021 with a one-year contract that is renewable for a second year. Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of the PhD by August 6, 2021 but not before August 2, 2020.

Qualifications

Program Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the Teaching Fellows in the Social Sciences program (TFSS) applicants must:

• have received or be on track to complete and receive the PhD within 8 years of matriculation into a PhD program of the Social Sciences Division, as confirmed by the chair of the department;
• candidates must graduate no later than August, 2021, and no earlier than August, 2020.  To fulfill this requirement, all departmental requirements for the PhD must be fulfilled and the dissertation filed by the university’s summer, 2021 deadline (which is Friday, August 6th).
• identify a faculty sponsor who will commit to participate fully as a mentor during the program. Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek out a faculty mentor who is not the dissertation chair.
• for applicants interested in teaching in a particular college core sequence, it is highly recommended that they have some previous experience in that sequence, either as a teaching intern or as a graduate lecturer.

Application Instructions

Application Process: Applications must be submitted through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/81148 . Applications are due on January 15, 2021. Early submission is recommended.  Each applicant must include the following materials:

• short cover letter;
• one-page teaching proposal that makes the case for a slate of four courses that the candidate is prepared to teach.  The “menu” of teaching needs can be found at https://voices.uchicago.edu/sstfcoursemenu.  Please refer to this password protected site in making your course proposals.  Candidates should indicate if their proposed classes meet a specific and stated need of a department, program, or core sequence. Please include in your proposal at least one or two Core courses; candidates should highlight previous (or planned) teaching experience in a proposed Core sequence.  (for Core course descriptions consult: http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/socialsciences/);
• current CV;
• current UChicago transcript (unofficial transcripts acceptable);

Additionally, the applicant must arrange for three reference letters, as indicated below

1. A reference letter from the Department Chair (submitted directly to Interfolio), providing a brief statement affirming that the candidate is in good standing in the doctoral program and promises to fulfill the pedagogical and intellectual aims of the Teaching Fellow program;
2. A reference letter from the doctoral advisor (submitted directly to Interfolio), providing 1) assessment of the applicant’s scholarship and teaching, including the role this fellowship will play in supporting the applicant’s qualifications for the job market; 2) confirmation of the applicant’s progress to timely completion of degree for participation in the program;
3. reference letter from the proposed faculty mentor (submitted directly to Interfolio), providing affirmation of the faculty member’s commitment to mentoring the fellow in his or her teaching responsibilities and professional development.

Selection Process: All applications will be reviewed by the TFSS committee. The selection process will include interviews in February, 2021. Those contacted for interviews will be asked to submit their dissertation in present form at that point, as well as a plan for dissertation completion.  Interviewees may also be asked to submit teaching materials.