Assistant Professor

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

11d • $110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Science and Technology Policy, starting in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will strengthen the School’s research and teaching capacity at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy, and contribute to developing science and technology policy as a strategic area of focus.

The School seeks candidates with an ambitious research agenda examining how public policy shapes the development, deployment, and governance of science and technology, and how scientific and technological change affects international relations, governments, markets, institutions, risk management, and society. Areas of interest include science and innovation policy; research and development policy; semiconductor and industrial policy; standards and regulation; emerging technology governance; cybersecurity; biotechnology; space policy; quantum technologies; international, national, and homeland security; energy and climate technologies; international competition and cooperation in science and technology; and the institutions and processes through which scientific and technical expertise informs policymaking.

Candidates should show potential to build a strong record of high-quality scholarly research, effective teaching, policy and public engagement, and institutional service. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program; teach in the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, including foundational science and technology policy courses and advanced courses in their areas of expertise; and contribute to collaborations across the School and University. Potential collaborators include the Center for Governance of Technology and Systems, the Global Policy Institute, the Center for Global Sustainability, the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland, the Do Good Institute, and other UMD units, including the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM).

The position requires a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field by the time of appointment. Normal classroom teaching demands apply, with no unusual physical or environmental demands. The role is a regular faculty appointment. The salary range is $110,000–$125,000. Offers are contingent on completion of a background check, and the successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification as required by law.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in public policy, natural or physical sciences, engineering, computer science, data science, information science, economics, political science, international relations, sociology, or another relevant field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for high-quality scholarly research, effective teaching, policy and public engagement, and institutional service.
• Research agenda focused on the relationship between public policy, science, technology, and their effects on society and institutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop a high-quality scholarly research record and a nationally recognized, externally funded research program.
• Teach in the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Develop and teach foundational courses in science and technology policy, as well as advanced courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise.
• Engage in policy and public engagement.
• Contribute institutional service.
• Collaborate across the School and University, including with relevant research centers and institutes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree