From 2004 to 2008, Gross was an assistant professor of sociology at
Harvard University, after which he joined the faculty of the
University of British Columbia. He was the
editor-in-chief of
Sociological Theory for six years (2009–2015). In his review, sociologist Neil Mclaughlin commended Gross for his "careful archival research, innovative theoretical synthesis and substantive contributions."
On liberalism in academia Another focus of Gross' work has been the political leanings of university professors. With Solon Simmons, he began in 2006 a survey of 1417 faculty members at 927 U.S. universities, colleges, and community colleges, called the
Politics of the American Professoriate. According to
Inside Higher Ed, several experts said the survey data collected by Gross and Simmons "may become the definitive source for understanding professors' political views." He and Simmons further analyzed this field of research in their 2014 compilation,
Professors and Their Politics. Gross has found, along with numerous other researchers, that there are more liberals than conservatives in university faculty, and some have taken opposing views specifically on Gross' methods and interpretations, he has criticized what he sees as conservative political bias intentionally distorting the results of demographic research on campus politics. == Works ==