Department of Linguistics - Sociolinguistics

The Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Sociolinguistics. The ideal candidate is expected to establish a research program that empirically investigates the intersection of society and language use. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work looks at those who speak, use, and learn more than one language, dialect, or variety. A successful candidate will employ quantitative, empirical, computational, and/or mixed methods approaches to address contemporary issues at the intersection of language and society. Desired qualifications of the scholar is that their work focuses on the relationship between language, society, and technology when considering the social and linguistic dynamics of multilingual and multidialectal populations, on lesser known/under-resourced languages and linguistic varieties, or on thinking about the ethics/societal consequences of AI, LLMs, or big data with respect to language variation/multilingualism.

Additional required qualifications include the ability to teach sociolinguistics at all levels, as well as general topics in linguistics. Mentoring of undergraduate students, supervision of graduate students, involvement in curricular development, and performance of university service are expected. A Ph.D. in Linguistics or a closely related field must be completed by the beginning of instruction.

UC Davis is one of the country's leading research institutions, and an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We seek candidates with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, in addition to exceptional potential for research, teaching. A successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the barriers preventing full participation of students who come from communities historically excluded from higher education, including (but not limited to) individuals marginalized due to their race or ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ status, veterans, individuals with disabilities, individuals from economically disadvantaged groups, first-generation scholars, and undocumented students. A successful candidate will help advance UC Davis' goal of improving access and building an inclusive community for all marginalized communities, have a track record (calibrated to career stage) of teaching, research, or service activities addressing the needs of individuals historically excluded from higher education, and a clear vision of how their work at UC Davis will contribute to the University's mission of serving the needs of our diverse state and student population. Applicants are required to submit a research statement describing their research to date and future research goals, and a contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statement describing (a) their track record of engagement and activity related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as (b) their plans for future engagement (see https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/guidelines-writing-diversity-statement for guidance and information about the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion). The DEI statement will be carefully read as a standalone document and should, therefore, include all relevant information related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, even if aspects are also discussed in other submitted materials.

Applicants should also submit: a curriculum vitae; a cover letter that clearly states reasons for the candidate's interest in the position, qualifications, and a summary of academic trajectory; statements of research and teaching interests; official graduate transcripts; and at least one writing sample (publication, submitted manuscript, or dissertation chapter), and three letters of recommendation through the online application system found at: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06729. This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. A reasonable estimate for this position is $104,000 to $127,000.

The position will remain open until filled. Applications received by November 15, 2024 will receive full initial consideration.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. With this commitment, UC Davis conducts a reference check on all first choice candidates for Academic Senate Assistant Professor Steps 4, 5, or 6, or positions eligible for tenure. The reference check involves contacting the administration of the applicant's previous institution(s) to ask whether there have been substantiated findings of misconduct that would violate the University's Faculty Code of Conduct. To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search for assistant professor to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to Release Information" into RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, only finalists considered for Academic Senate Assistant Professor Steps 4, 5, or 6, or positions eligible for tenure will be subject to reference checks.

A Ph.D. in Linguistics, or a closely related field must be completed by the beginning of instruction

Quantitative, empirical, computational, and/or mixed methods approaches to address contemporary issues at the intersection of language and society

Additional desired qualifications of the scholar is that their work focuses on the relationship between language, society, and technology when considering the social and linguistic dynamics of multilingual and multidialectal populations, on lesser known/under-resourced languages and linguistic varieties, or on thinking about the ethics/societal consequences of AI, LLMs, or big data with respect to language variation/multilingualism

• 3-5 letters of reference required

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan." There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.