Modernity Research Social Scientist

The Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture (IASC), a research center within the Colleges of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia, seeks to hire a research social scientist to co-direct the Modernity Seminar for the academic year 2025-2026. The Modernity Seminar is an ongoing intellectual space of relentless argumentation at the Institute dedicated to the discussion of key texts, the workshopping of ideas, and the development of new social theory. The position of the Modernity Seminar will be linked to the Colloquy on Theory, Culture, and Late Modernity, under the direction of IASC Senior Fellow Isaac Ariail Reed, Professor of Sociology. The position runs from September 2025 through August 2026.

In consultation with the Director of the Theory, Culture, and Late Modernity Colloquy, the research scientist's primary responsibilities will be to develop the syllabus for the year's seminar, co-ordinate the visits of guest authors, lead discussions, cultivate participation of faculty and graduate students in the seminar, and encourage the development and publication of works by the seminar's participants in whatever forum is judged to be most appropriate.

The awardee is expected to be in residence in Charlottesville during academic year 2025-26, and to attend other events at the Institute.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a doctoral degree or master's degree with significant experience.

Application Instructions: Apply Now. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile, search Find Jobs and then R0072603. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• A CV/resume

• A cover letter

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This one-year, renewable, full-time position with standard University benefits and is offered contingent upon funding.

For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks, Academic Recruiter. Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.