U of Nebraska-Lincoln - TT (Open) Sexualities

[unlsoc]

The Department of Sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August, 2016. Although areas of research specialization are open, preference will be given to candidates with a specialization in sexualities and whose research builds upon the department strengths in families, health, inequality, social networks, and research methods. We are highly interdisciplinary, value a broad range of methodologies, and have strong ties with the Women & Gender Studies Program, the Survey Research and Methods Program, and the Institute for Ethnic Studies. The department has been recognized by the Sociologists for Women in Society Seal of Excellence for our commitment to both the presence of women faculty and importance of gender/inequality scholarship. Learn more at soc.unl.edu/.

We require candidates to have a PhD in Sociology or closely related discipline by the job start date of August 2016, an active program of scholarship, and evidence of outstanding potential in research and teaching.

Applicants should go to employment.unl.edu requisition F_150136 and complete the Faculty/Academic Administrative Form. Then, send an email to [e-mail] with the following attachments: 1) a cover letter addressed to Prof. Kirk Dombrowski, Search Committee Chair, with a detailed description of how your research and teaching interests match the job description and department needs, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) three letters of reference, and 4) one writing sample. Review of applications will begin September 8, 2015 and continue until we find suitable candidates. The University of Nebraska is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers. For further information email [e-mail] or call Lori Ratzlaff at 402-472-3631.

[curious...]

I see that the ad seems relatively open, but I am wondering if anyone might know how strong their preference for the sexualities specialization is? In other words, is this a "this is really the main thing we're looking for" preference, or, as the ad seems to suggest a "we'd like this, but it's not a deal-breaker" preference?

[impossible]

This sort of thing is impossible to know with any certainty, since job ads are collaborative efforts. I.e., it may be that it is "open with a preference" because the department had to compromise with the admin on this. Or it may be "we really want a sexualities person, but let's write it broad enough so that if a superduper star applies we can hire them without risking a lawsuit/angering the admin/etc'"

[duh]

Aug 3, 2015 21:16:42 GMT -5 impossible said:

This sort of thing is impossible to know with any certainty, since job ads are collaborative efforts. I.e., it may be that it is "open with a preference" because the department had to compromise with the admin on this. Or it may be "we really want a sexualities person, but let's write it broad enough so that if a superduper star applies we can hire them without risking a lawsuit/angering the admin/etc'"

I think the person who was asking knew all that. He/she was asking if anyone knew anymore than what the ad said.

[Duh2]

Aug 4, 2015 7:32:32 GMT -5 duh said:

Aug 3, 2015 21:16:42 GMT -5 impossible said:

This sort of thing is impossible to know with any certainty, since job ads are collaborative efforts. I.e., it may be that it is "open with a preference" because the department had to compromise with the admin on this. Or it may be "we really want a sexualities person, but let's write it broad enough so that if a superduper star applies we can hire them without risking a lawsuit/angering the admin/etc'"

I think the person who was asking knew all that. He/she was asking if anyone knew anymore than what the ad said.

And my point is that if there was any official consensus on the issue it would have been reflected on the ad. These ads leave some leeway intentionally.