Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The School of Social Work is seeking candidates for an Assistant Professor position in the tenure stream. We seek candidates with a well-defined research agenda and the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field through creative, innovative, and rigorous scholarship. We encourage applications from candidates with research interests that build upon our four core areas of research expertise: health and aging; marginalized youth and families; sexual and gender minority health; and violence and violence prevention. We also welcome candidates with research interests that expand our School’s areas of expertise, including candidates whose research uses innovative research methods to address emerging issues in social work. Candidates should show promise for securing external research funding, producing high-quality scholarship, and contributing to our vibrant intellectual community. Position expectations include teaching across the social work curriculum, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring students, and participating in our school community. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty across the university and participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives. Candidates who have experience promoting intellectual debates around a diversity of viewpoints and perspectives are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note that this is a union position represented by the Union of Tenure System Faculty (UTSF). The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Social Work or related field

Minimum Requirements

• An earned doctorate in Social Work or a related field by the date of employment
• A beginning record of scholarly productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, scholarly presentations, research funding activity, or other relevant scholarly contributions.
• A clearly articulated research agenda with demonstrated potential to make meaningful contributions to social work knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in scholarly, teaching, and professional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in research, teaching, or professional settings.
• Commitment to engaged teaching, active learning, and student advancement, as evidenced by experience as instructor of record, teaching assistant, guest lecturer, or similar experience facilitating learning.

Desired Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited School of Social Work
• A record of success in acquiring extramural research funding
• Teaching experience with undergraduate and graduate students across course delivery modalities (in-person, online synchronous, online asynchronous).
• Candidates who have experience promoting intellectual debates around a diversity of viewpoints and perspectives are especially encouraged to apply.

Required Application Materials

Complete applications must include:

1. a cover letter detailing the reasons for applying for the position and how your research and/or background fits with the position description;
2. a curriculum vitae;
3. a 1-page research statement;
4. a 1-page teaching statement;
5. Names and contact information for three professional (3) references. The unit solicits reference letters in PageUp using the names/contact info the applicants provide. Note: applications cannot be reviewed until all three reference letters have been received.

Special Instructions

We will begin reviewing applications Fall 2026 and will continue until position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Pilar Horner, phorner@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/23/2026

Website

www.socialwork.msu.edu

Department Statement

The MSU School of Social Work, within the College of Social Science, is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.  Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing a broad cross section of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  More than 650 students are enrolled in our CSWE- accredited BASW and MSW programs, and our PhD program.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.