The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice is the academic home to the Kersten Institute for Urban Education, a research and policy institute focused on advancing programs, interventions, and policies that strengthen K-12 schools and improve academic and life outcomes for all students.  

Founded in 1990, the UChicago Consortium is based at the Kersten Institute for Urban Education at the University of Chicago. With the goal of supporting stronger and more equitable educational outcomes for students, the UChicago Consortium conducts research of high technical quality that informs and assesses policy and practice in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). 

We seek an advanced scholar with an existing program of research in education policy or practice whose research seeks to investigate and address educational inequality. We are paticularly interested in candidates with expertise in social emotional well-being and mental health, instructional practices and educational environments, and strengthening and supporting the educator workforce. We welcome applicants whose interdisciplinary work draws from sociology, education, public policy, economics, psychology, social work, or related fields and who bring a critical perspective to the study of public education and systemic reform. 

The Research Professor will be expected to make substantial contributions to research, policy, and practice leading a research program and/or collaborating with faculty members, maintaining a level of scientific excellence comparable to that of tenure-track faculty. The Research Professor will be expected to maintain an active and visible research agenda that contributes to local and national conversations in K-12 education; lead and collaborate on externally funded research projects; collaborate with policymakers or practitioners to produce practical knowledge; engage with local, national, or global education stakeholders and communities to support the use of research in policy and practice; produce rigorous and impactful research, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books/book chapters, and research reports/policy briefs; and contribute to the intellectual life of the Kersten Institute, the Crown Family School, and the University.  

Terms of Appointment 

The selected candidate will be appointed for a term of 2-3 years with a 12 month academic appointment. This appointment is renewable at the discretion of the School.  

This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement  

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu?with their request. 

Qualifications  

Applicants are required to have a PhD or EdD in education, human development, public policy, economics, sociology, or a closely related field; an established record of scholarly publications; and strong quantitative methodological skills. Experience with  mixed methods, qualitative, archival, or participatory methods, along with quantitative skills, is preferred.  

Application Instructions  

Applicants must submit (1) a cover letter describing research agenda and alignment with this position, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) two representative publications or writing samples, and (4) two confidential letters of recommendation. Applicants will be prompted to request both letters securely from their references via the Interfolio platform. The application deadline is May 29, 2026. Early submission is encouraged. Please apply online at the Academic Recruitment web page at the University of Chicago website using the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/185603 

About Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

Our faculty and doctoral students gather data to answer some of the most pressing questions in clinical social work, social policy, social welfare administration, and community development.

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