The Department of Human Services at the University of Illinois Springfield is actively recruiting for the Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (see job ad). This opportunity is provided to doctoral candidates that are set to complete their dissertation in the 2021-2022 academic year and are seeking experience in the academy with the potential for a transition to a tenure-track role upon the completion of their Fellowship. As a part of the university’s effort to actively recruit candidates from underrepresented populations, this Fellowship seeks to provide such candidates with unique opportunities to take part in the duties of a faculty member while still be ABD. Within the Fellows contract, they are expected to teach a 1-1 course load and are provided with research funds to assist in the completion of the dissertation and the development of their future research agenda. Likewise, the aspirations of the Department are to select a candidate that will complete their dissertation, fulfill their duties in the Fellowship, and be retained the following year in a tenure-track role.

Specific to the expectations of the Fellowship, the Department is actively seeking a candidate with expertise in Gerontology and the ability to teach in the newly revised graduate program in Gerontology. In particular, teaching capacity for some or all of the following courses is desired: Survey of Aging through Films; Neurobiological Health and Wellness in Aging; Aging and the Family; The Psycho-Social Aspects of Aging in the 21^st Century; Sociology of Death, Dying and Bereavement; Senior Care Administration. Attached is a document provided summaries of the courses. While these courses are the primary need for the Department, we are excited to announce a new graduate program in Nursing Home Administration that incorporates some of the previously mentioned courses. A candidate’s additional expertise through research, teaching, or experience in nursing home administration is particularly welcomed, but not required.

We are actively requesting your willingness to share this information with colleagues, doctoral candidates, professional organizations, etc. in an effort to maximize our recruitment efforts and provide an exciting opportunity to a potential future colleague. The deadline for submissions is February 24^th and the committee will be reviewing applicants as they complete their submissions. Please note this is a university-wide effort and the job advertisement is not meant to state that candidates from different Departments will be competitive. Only candidates fitting the description I’ve provided will compete with one another for the opening that is exclusive to our Department. Should you have any questions or need for clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. Furthermore, if candidates wish to contact me, please encourage them to do so!

On behalf of Dr. Denise Bockmier-Sommers

Department of Human Services – Chair
University of Illinois Springfield 
One University Plaza, BRK 344

Springfield, IL 62703-5407 

O- (217) 206-6908; F-(217) 206-6775

dsomm2@uis.edu