JOB TITLE
Assistant Teaching Professor
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Integrative & Global Studies
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
WPI’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies seeks a full-time, secure contract faculty at the Assistant Professor level whose teaching and project advising will support WPI’s undergraduate interdisciplinary projects program.
Successful candidates will teach courses that prepare students for team-based, off-campus, including international, project work. The course address topics including social science research methods, effective communications and teamwork, ethical research and often includes material related to the students’ project country/location.
In addition, assistant teaching professors will be required to travel with groups of students to advise team-based projects at WPI’s project centers around the world. Faculty also meet with student teams regularly during the term prior to travel to assist in the preparation of research proposals to guide the students’ work.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Preparing students for their off-campus research and design experience by teaching Social Science Research Methods, which usually incorporates lecture, discussion, and active learning activities to guide students in background research, communication and developing clear, well-defined research plans for on-site work.
- Advising student projects at WPI’s off campus project centers for one or two 8-week terms per year. Faculty advisors support student teams throughout their project experience, providing guidance on research, project development, and professional collaboration. Advisors also review student writing, help teams navigate team dynamics, and address health and safety issues as needed.
- Over time, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to take a leadership role in directing one of the off-campus project centers that comprise WPI’s domestic and global project network.
- Faculty also participate in pre-departure training and orientation activities to ensure students are prepared to address health and safety issues while traveling, as well as department meetings and departmental service activities.
Desired Attributes
- Experience teaching qualitative social science research methods and conducting applied field research or community engagement.
- Experience engaging students in off-campus experiential learning in diverse communities and organizational settings.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines.
- Demonstrated evidence of flexibility, adaptability, and ability to pivot while guiding students.
- Creativity in teaching applied social science methods and collaborative design.
- Strong interest in global engagement and experience engaging a wide variety of audiences including undergraduates, field professionals, scholars, policymakers, and other community stakeholders.
- Experience in relevant integrative settings, such as but not limited to, international field schools, experiential or project-based learning, cross-cultural engagement, foreign service, non-profit management, or corporate or public sector decision making.
- Demonstrated global and intercultural competency, such as through language or other cross cultural engagement skills.
Position Requirements
- A PhD in a relevant integrative field, such as but not limited to, Anthropology, Geography, History, International Studies or Development, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Human-Centered Design, or Communication.
How to Apply
For full consideration, applications, including a cover letter (2 page max), CV, teaching statement (2 page max), and research statement (2 page max), and contact information for references should be received by December 10, 2026.
Please note that we are also hiring a tenure track teaching faculty position in DIGS. Qualified applicants are welcome to submit applications for both positions.
Compensation
Salary: $82,500 - $85,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
