Assistant Professor of Teaching

Worcester Polytechnic Institute•Worcester, MA

2d•$82,500 - $85,000

About The Position

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies (DIGS) seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teaching to support its undergraduate interdisciplinary projects program through teaching, advising, and scholarship. DIGS is the intellectual home of experiential and community-based learning at WPI and provides stewardship for the Global Projects Program, an interdisciplinary initiative in which students collaborate with community partners on real-world challenges. The successful candidate will prepare students for a nine-credit, team-based off-campus research and design project by teaching Social Science Research Methods and advising projects at WPI off-campus project centers. Project-center work involves one or two eight-week terms per year. The position also includes classroom teaching, organizing and advising student research and design projects, and advancing innovative, high-impact teaching and learning practices. Over time, the candidate is expected to take a leadership role in directing one of the university’s domestic or global off-campus project centers. The faculty member will participate in pre-departure training and orientation to prepare students to address health and safety issues while traveling, as well as department meetings and service activities. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant integrative field. Applications for full consideration, including a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and reference contact information, were due December 10, 2026. Salary is $82,500–$85,000 per year, based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI notes that its benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

PhD in a relevant integrative field, such as Anthropology, Geography, History, International Studies or Development, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Human-Centered Design, or Communication.
Excellent teaching and project-advising abilities.
Active pedagogical innovation, including developing and disseminating high-impact teaching practices.

Nice To Haves

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.
Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to pivot while guiding students.
Creativity in applied social science methods and collaborative design.
Strong interest in global engagement and experience engaging undergraduates, field professionals, scholars, policymakers, and other community stakeholders.
Experience with creative pedagogical approaches in the classroom.
Active engagement in workshops, conferences, and other professional communities.
Experience in relevant integrative settings, including international field schools, experiential or project-based learning, cross-cultural engagement, non-profit management, foreign service, or corporate or public-sector decision-making.
Demonstrated global and intercultural competency, such as language or other cross-cultural engagement skills.

Responsibilities

Teach Social Science Research Methods to prepare students for a nine-credit, team-based off-campus research and design project.
Advise student projects at WPI off-campus project centers for one or two eight-week terms per year.
Organize and advise student research and design projects.
Advance innovative, high-impact approaches to teaching and learning and develop and disseminate effective teaching practices.
Over time, take a leadership role in directing one of WPI’s domestic or global off-campus project centers.
Participate in pre-departure training and orientation activities addressing student travel health and safety.
Participate in department meetings and departmental service activities.