2024 Sociology Lecturer

About Wenzhou-Kean University

Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), located in Wenzhou, China, one of three Sino-American universities along with NYU Shanghai and Duke Kunshan University, is approved by the Ministry of Education of China. Launched in 2012, WKU offers a unique model of higher education in partnership with Kean University, a comprehensive, public research university in the state of New Jersey that is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically advanced developed cities on China’s East Coast, located one hour by plane and three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai. WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls about 4,600 students, and it is now amid a period of rapid growth that will bring enrollment to 7,500 students within the next five years. 

All instruction is in English and all curriculum is provided by Kean University. In addition to its current 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has been approved by the Ministry of Education for offering eight Master’s and three Doctorate programs. WKU highly values research-powered teaching and learning, and the average number of faculty publications and the Field-weighted Citation Impact are among the best of leading Chinese academic institutions. 

Wenzhou-Kean University currently offers the following degree programs: Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.), Biotechnology Science (M.S.), Computer Information Systems (M.S.), Instruction and Curriculum (M.A.), Global Management (M.B.A.), Architecture (M.Arch.), Educational Administration (M.A.), Psychology (M.A.), Finance (B.S.), Accounting (with emphasis on international standards and practices) (B.S.), Global Business (B.S.), Marketing (B.S.), Management (Business Analytics option/ Supply Chain & Information Management option) (B.S.), Economics (B.S.), Graphic Design (B.F.A.), Interior Design (B.F.A), Industrial Design (B.I.D.), Architectural Studies (B.A.), Computer Science (B.S.), Mathematical Sciences (Supply Chain and Management Information option and  Analytics Option) (B.A.), Biology (Cell and Molecular option) (B.S.), Chemistry (B.S.); Earth Science (Environmental Science option) (B.S.); English (English in Global Settings option) (B.A.); Psychology (General option/Forensic Psychology option) (B.A.); and Communication (Public Relations option) (B.A.). In addition, WKU has a substantial commitment to the teaching of ESL/EFL.

About the Role:

The College of Liberal Arts at WKU is seeking candidates from a variety of subfields in Sociology, including but not limited to: 

• Environmental Sociology
• Sociology of Language
• Sociology of Architecture
• Sociology of Gender

Successful candidates should be prepared to teach Introduction to Sociology as well as upper-level electives in the field. 

We seek candidates with ambitious research agendas in their fields and will contribute to the interdisciplinary strengths of the College of Liberal Arts. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to providing and enhancing student research opportunities. 

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

All Lecturer positions are full-time assignments, effective for the start of the Spring 2024 semester or Fall 2024, subject to negotiation. The positions are renewed every three years. 

A Lecturer is a full-time, 10 or 11-month employee who teaches 30 or 39 credits per year, respectively, and provides student and learning support services during the assigned period. Lecturers will be expected to provide high quality teaching, student advisement and learning support services, and service to the university and/or professional community; and perform related work as required. All faculty may be required to teach General Education courses as needed. Opportunities are also available to teach disciplinary support courses. Candidates with an interest in teaching across disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

A PhD in Sociology or a related field is required. ABD will be considered with completion prior to the effective date of employment. A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a college or university setting is preferred. Native English speakers or equivalent English proficiency is preferred.

Faculty positions at WKU offer:

Annual lecturer salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience with the range from $58,000-$68,000. Salary of extraordinary candidates shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. 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 80% 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. A collegial environment. 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.  

Application Information:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. Please send cover letter, resume, statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial transcripts and contact information of three professional references by email to Search Committee Chairperson at WKUCLA@wku.edu.cn. Please include “Sociology Search” in the subject. 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.