Assistant Professor in Sociology

About Wenzhou-Kean University 

Along with NYU Shanghai and Duke University Kunshan, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) is one of only three full legal-person Sino-American universities with all English instruction approved by the Ministry of Education in China. 

WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students. It is now in the midst of rapid growth that will bring enrollment to 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction at WKU is in English, and the curriculum is provided by Kean University and adapted to the needs of the local student population. In addition to its current 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has been approved by the Ministry of Education to offer 8 Master’s and 3 doctorate programs.

Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically developed cities on China's East Coast, located one hour by plane and just over three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai.  

About the Job:

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Wenzhou-Kean University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Sociology. Successful candidates will be expected to teach introductory courses such as “Introduction to Sociology” and “Methods of Social Research,” as well as upper-level electives in their area of specialization. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in teaching undergraduate courses, show evidence of a strong, independent research program, and demonstrate potential to publish and secure external funding at a level similar to tenure track professors at a US R1 university. Experience in second-language education is an added value. 

In addition to teaching and research, faculty are expected to contribute to the growth of the program, including, but not limited to curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment and advising, office hours, senior project supervision, and internship opportunities.  

All ranks are full-time assignments, effective for the start of the Fall 2025. The position is renewed every three years.  

A tenure-track Assistant Professor is a full time, 10-month employee who teaches 24 credits per academic year (6-credit course release per academic year is available for grant proposal development and other substantial research initiatives in the first three years of appointment). Start-up grant will be provided to launch student-engaging research programs. Candidate will be expected to participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including high quality teaching, research, advising; student learning support; service to the university and professional community. Tenure-track appointment requires publications in internationally recognized and rigorously peer-reviewed journals in Sociology or other closely related subjects. 

Faculty position at WKU offer:

Annual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience with the range from $65,000-$75,000 for Assistant Professors. The University will provide start-up grants to support the tenure track candidates to start their research programs. A well-rounded healthcare coverage, academic travel up to $2,000, housing options and subsidy up to $3,000, home traveling up to $6,000 (2 international round-trip airfares), a reimbursement to cover relocation expenses up to $1,000, shuttle bus to campus for work, and up to 8% front-load retirement benefits within accordance with completion of years of service with the University. WKU tuition waiver up to 50% for spouse/dependent children of faculty for undergraduate programs, and tuition discount of private/international kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools for children of faculty. The opportunity to teach high quality students with more than 60% of WKU graduates being admitted to the graduate programs of highly ranked universities globally. 

Qualifications

A PhD in Sociology or a related field is required. ABD will be considered with completion prior to the effective date of employment. The successful candidate must demonstrate excellence in research and have a strong publication record. Ideally a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a college or university setting is preferred. Native English proficiency is required. 

Application Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to apply online. To receive full consideration by the search committee, candidates need to submit the following documents. 

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, research statement, unofficial transcripts and contact information of three professional references. Official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation are required before appointment. 

Background Screening:

Wenzhou-Kean University conducts background screenings on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings.