Interdisciplinary Assistant Professor (NTT) in Social Science and Human Inquiry at InsideHigherEd

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for an interdisciplinary, non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 2026. Applicants’ field(s) of study/research should fall within one or more of these broad academic fields: African-American Studies, Disability Studies, Legal Studies, Environmental Studies, Child Studies, AI and Human Impact (including disinformation), Rural Studies, Health Studies.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.

This position is subject to annual renewal up to three years.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate must be able to teach introductory courses in at least one of the major programs within the SSHI department (see below) and upper-level electives complementing existing offerings in two of the department’s major programs OR in one of the department’s major programs AND another program at Truman. The successful candidate will also be expected to teach courses to support Truman’s Dialogues curriculum, campuswide interdisciplinary programs, participate in SSHI departmental activities including student recruitment, and perform other regular service to the University and community.

Required Qualifications: Appointment requires a terminal degree in at least one of the above-mentioned interdisciplinary areas or one of the academic fields represented in the SSHI department (with a research or teaching background in the interdisciplinary field).

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• academic qualifications, 
• compatibility with department and university needs,
• teaching background or the potential for teaching introductory courses in one or more major programs within SSHI, teaching background or the potential for teaching courses related to African-American Studies, Disability Studies, Legal Studies, Environmental Studies, Child Studies, AI and Human Impact (including disinformation), Rural Studies, or Health Studies that can serve as upper-level electives in one of the SSHI major programs,
• teaching background or the potential for teaching courses related to African-American Studies, Disability Studies, Legal Studies, Environmental Studies, Child Studies, AI and Human Impact (including disinformation), Rural Studies, or Health Studies that can serve as upper-level electives in a second SSHI major program OR a major program outside the SSHI department,
• teaching background or the potential for teaching courses in one of Truman’s Dialogues perspectives,
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates,
• evidence of experience with or interest in interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary teaching, including interdisciplinary majors and minors,
• demonstrated ability to develop an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates, strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills,
• commitment to collegiality within the learning community.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses.  Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year.  More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Program: Social Sciences and Human Inquiry is a multidisciplinary department housing the following academic majors: Criminal Justice Studies, History, Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & International Relations, Social Issue Advocacy, and Sociology/Anthropology.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/174717
For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or [email protected]. 

Completed applications must include: 

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above,
• statement of scholarly activity interests, 
• teaching portfolio including a statement of teaching philosophy that includes the candidate’s commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and student development, and teaching evaluations, 
• writing sample, 
• current curriculum vitae, 
• official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire), and 
• names and contact information for 3 references. 

Review of applications will begin 11/5/2025 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry, Kathryn Brammall, at ([email protected]). 

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law.  We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment.  Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and [email protected].

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.  To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or [email protected].