Assistant Professor in Race and Medicine, Department of Black Studies

The Department of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenure-track position in Race and Medicine with a start date of July 1, 2025 or thereafter. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor. While all areas of research related to Race and Medicine will be considered, we are particularly interested in candidates whose research and teaching focus on Reproductive Justice and/or other aspects of Medical Racism. We define Reproductive Justice research as any project that considers Black people's right to have children, to not have children, to raise the children we have in safe and healthy environments, and to enjoy gender and sexual autonomy.

The Department seeks social scientists and humanities scholars whose research is informed by Critical Disability Studies, Black Feminisms, Black Queer and Trans Studies, Environmental Justice, and Carceral Studies, among other specialties. Engaged, multi-modal, creative, collaborative and/or activist approaches are also welcome. Potential specializations include:

* Reproductive health care and abortion access

* Black maternal mortality

* Blackness and the Foster Care System

* Environmental Racism and Health

* Black Trans Health and Gender Affirming Care

* Transnational Migration and Black Health

* Climate Change and Chronic Conditions

* Policing and Debility

* Afro-diasporic Health and Healing

The successful candidate will join a pioneering Black Studies program with strengths in Black Queer and Trans Studies, Political Economies of Afro Latin American and the Caribbean, and African Diaspora Intellectual Traditions. An engagement with teaching and university service that addresses the needs of Black people is expected of all candidates. The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Department: https://www.blackstudies.ucsb.edu/

The minimum requirement to be considered an applicant is the completion of all requirements for a PhD except the dissertation (ABD status) in Black Studies or a closely related discipline at the time of application.

While all areas of research related to Race and Medicine will be considered, to better align with the research specialization requirement, other areas of research (outside of Race and Medicine) will not be able to be considered. The successful applicant must have a PhD in Black Studies or related field by the time of appointment.

Specializations in Critical Medical Studies, Critical Disability Studies, Black Feminisms, Black Queer and Trans Studies, Environmental Justice, and Carceral Studies encouraged.

Candidates should have strong methodological skills; a record of theoretically oriented, rigorous research; teaching and mentoring appropriate to their career stage; demonstrated or potential for department or campus service appropriate to their career stage; and an appreciation of the broader implications of their work in Black Studies.

• 3-4 letters of reference required

Applicants should add contact information (name and email address) for at least 3 references. Letters of reference must be requested through the system.

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 or protected veteran status. 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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.