Description

The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston, a Carnegie Designated Tier One Research University, invites applications for three full-time, open rank faculty positions, with appointments beginning September 1, 2026. We are interested in scholars who will bring fresh ideas, a commitment to advancing social work education, and an interdisciplinary mindset that embraces collaboration. The selected candidates will teach graduate level social work courses in the MSW and Ph.D. program while participating in meaningful service at the College, University, and professional settings. 

Mission Statement

Through exceptional education, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement, the Graduate College of Social Work prepares diverse leaders in practice and research to address complex challenges.  Our students’ preparation will enable them to achieve sustainable social, racial, economic, environmental, and political justice, locally and globally in the social work profession.

 We invite applicants whose research, scholarship, and teaching advance the social work profession and contribute to achieving this mission. 

 Successful candidates are expected to develop and maintain a dynamic, externally funded research program and strong record of high-impact scholarship (e.g., publications, presentations, etc.). 

 We are especially interested in applicants whose teaching, research and scholarship align with the following areas:

-Health equity/social determinants of health, Aging/Gerontological Social Work, Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Addiction Services, 

-Intersections of artificial intelligence (AI), human-centered design, and the future of social work—driving transformative approaches to ethical use, practice, education, and research that advance equity and impact.               

-Macro practice/Workforce expansion, social policy/advocacy, Community Innovation and Global Efforts, and leadership development

 We are seeking bold, forward-thinking applicants who will help advance our growing programs while envisioning new and innovative pathways to expand and transform the social work workforce. We are interested in candidates with a background in rigorous research methods that can support the College’s mission. 

 We seek visionary colleagues to join a dynamic faculty united in advancing excellence, innovation, equity, and student success. The successful candidate will help shape the future of our programs through engaged service, program leadership, and curriculum design, and help create transformative learning experiences that empower the next generation of social work practitioners, leaders, researchers, advocates, and healers.

ABOUT THE GCSW: The GCSW is the largest graduate social work program located in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States. Houston is an international and multicultural city, and the University and College reflect this diversity. The University of Houston has been designated as an Asian Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution and is recognized as being one of the most racially and ethnically diverse research institutions in the nation. It is the flagship campus of a state-assisted higher education system that enrolls over 70,000 students (system-wide) and will celebrate its Centennial Year in 2027. Likewise, the GCSW will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027 as well.  

We welcome candidates whose interests and experience in teaching, research, or community engagement has prepared them to contribute to our strategic plan, Charting Our Path To Excellence. Our MSW program offers face-to-face, hybrid, and online curriculum options. Our PhD program focuses on developing scholars that contribute to evidence-based social work, research, and macro-level initiatives/opportunities. As a Graduate-only College, the GCSW serves approximately 500 MSW and 33 PhD students.

The University of Houston is a member of the Texas Medical Center, which includes the MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Medical School, Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and Baylor College of Medicine. In addition, UH is home to the newly established UH Tilman J. Fertitta College of Medicine. This environment is rich in potential for numerous collaborative opportunities. Our faculty are actively engaged in groundbreaking research and scholarship to address complex challenges facing society, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to social and racial justice. Over the last 5 years, the GCSW faculty has secured over $20 million in external grant funding. For more information, please visit our web site at www.uh.edu/socialwork 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Requirements

REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. in Social Work, DSW, or an equivalent doctoral degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution. ABD's will be considered if degree is earned by the start of the appointment
• Record of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, etc. 
• Show clear evidence of potential for impact and excellence in research, teaching, scholarship, and community engagement
• Strong potential for securing external funding

 PREFERRED:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• A research agenda showing opportunities for collaboration with the other units/disciplines on campus including the UH Tillman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and faculty at UH.
• A publication record and current funding or evidence of potential for external funding.
• Teaching experience in higher education
• Two years of post MSW social work practice experience