Assistant Professor of Teaching

WPI•Worcester, MA

18h

About The Position

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teaching to support the undergraduate interdisciplinary projects program through teaching, advising, and scholarly work. The role prepares students for nine-credit, team-based off-campus research and design projects by teaching Social Science Research Methods and advising projects at WPI off-campus project centers for one or two eight-week terms per year. The successful candidate will advance innovative teaching and learning practices and, over time, is expected to take a leadership role directing an off-campus project center in WPI’s domestic and global network. Faculty responsibilities also include classroom teaching, organizing and advising student research and design projects, participating in pre-departure training and orientation to prepare students for travel-related health and safety issues, and contributing to department meetings and service. The position is part of the department that stewards WPI’s Global Projects Program, an interdisciplinary initiative in which students work with community partners on real-world challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and society. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant integrative field. The position is based in Worcester, Massachusetts. Applications for full consideration should include a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and contact information for references, and should be received by December 10, 2026. The advertised salary is $82,500–$85,000 per year, based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity.

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 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, such as 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 through language or other cross-cultural engagement skills.

Responsibilities

Teach Social Science Research Methods to prepare students for nine-credit, team-based off-campus research and design projects.
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.
Develop and disseminate high-impact, innovative teaching and learning practices.
Over time, take a leadership role in directing one of WPI’s off-campus project centers.
Participate in pre-departure training and orientation activities to prepare students to address health and safety issues while traveling.
Participate in department meetings and departmental service activities.