The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology (DAERS) in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Rural Sociology. The planned start date for the position is August 2026. This position is a 9-month tenure-track, appointment at the rank of assistant professor. The allocation of effort of this position is 40% teaching and 60% research.
Research: Research responsibilities will include developing and implementing a nationally recognized research program focused on the human dimensions of agriculture, particularly as it relates to implementation and adaptation of technology (e.g., drones, AI, precision ag, cover crops). The successful candidate is expected to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across the college’s departments, units associated with AAES, and among relevant stakeholders and the Alabama agricultural community. Moreover, their program of research will contribute to a greater understanding of the social dimensions of socio-agricultural systems in Alabama and the southeastern U.S. The successful candidate will transfer the results of their scholarly program through recognized, peer-reviewed, disciplinary and interdisciplinary outlets, as well as technical and outreach publications for relevant clientele. This position will contribute to the University and College's strategic visions through excellence in graduate education, innovative partnerships, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and world-class research efforts.
Teaching: The teaching requirement for this position is three courses per year. Initial course load may include an undergraduate Introduction to Rural Studies and Sociology of Sustainable Agrifood Systems. Other courses may include an introductory issues course or graduate instruction based on departmental needs and the successful candidate’s expertise. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the department’s teaching programs through teaching, mentoring, and directing theses and research projects.
