The Department of History and Sociology of Science at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) invites applications for a tenure-track position in environmental history, at the rank of assistant professor. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work engages with the effects of natural, built, and social environments on health, and with the health-related dimensions of environmental science in its various manifestations.

The department administers two interdisciplinary undergraduate majors (Health and Societies and Science, Technology, and Society), a renowned Ph.D. program, and has an excellent track record placing our graduates. Penn is also home to the thriving Penn Program in Environmental Humanities, which has mobilized students and faculty from all over the University in arts-driven inquiry and public engagement relating to environmental justice and climate change in Philadelphia and around the world. The University's Environmental Innovations Initiative also aims to catalyze teaching and research across the University on critical sustainability challenges.

Our department is housed within the School of Arts & Sciences, which is comprised of 28 academic departments, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Division, and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration are supported by the breadth and depth of academic pursuits at Penn as well as the proximity of resources on our contiguous green urban campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a department, we value interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and collegiality and are committed to promoting a culturally diverse intellectual community University, School, and departmental resources that support our efforts include but are not limited to: the Offices of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Vice Provost for Research, PennGlobal, Wellness at Penn, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Penn Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, and Penn Human Resources.

We seek candidates who share our strong commitment to research, teaching and mentoring, and to a scholarly community shaped by values of inclusive excellence. The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating and sustaining a community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff that reflects the diversity of our world. We nurture working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we are committed to thoughtful discussions and dynamic interactions as we strive for an environment where everyone is supported and valued. Please see our School’s Inclusion and Antiracism Initiatives to learn more about our active priorities: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/2020-inclusion-and-anti-racism-initiatives.

Strong candidates will have the ability to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, direct undergraduate and graduate research, and mentor and support a diverse student body. They will have demonstrated strong research potential, and they will have a teaching portfolio relevant to our departmental priorities, including environmental history and the relationships between environments and health.

The appointment will begin on July 1, 2024, by which time the successful candidate is expected to have completed their PhD. Applications including a cover letter, CV, names and email addresses of three recommenders, writing sample (no more than 10,000 words), and teaching statement, should be uploaded to http://apply.interfolio.com/130485. Review of applications will begin October 6, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

About University of Pennsylvania History and Sociology of Science Department

Our faculty uses the tools of the humanities and social sciences to study science, technology, medicine, and the environment. Through a broad range of scholarly projects, faculty research examines relations between the technical practice of scientists, engineers, medical researchers, and clinicians, and the material, social, political and cultural context in which those practices occur. Interdisciplinary study, faculty-student interaction, and individual mentoring characterize both the graduate and undergraduate programs. Our graduate program thrives due to current graduate students and also a distinguished group of alumni who are leading scholars and professionals. Recent graduates enjoy success in the job market. The Department's interdisciplinary commitment continues through two undergraduate majors: Science, Technology and Society (STSC) and Health and Societies (HSOC). Our students also enjoy the talents and research of associated faculty from across the university. Alumni in a wide array of positions and institutions provide a supportive network for undergraduates.

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