Assistant Teaching Professor

WPI•Worcester, MA

15h•$82,500 - $85,000

About The Position

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies seeks a full-time, secure-contract faculty member at the Assistant Professor level to teach and advise students in WPI’s undergraduate interdisciplinary projects program. The role prepares students for team-based, off-campus project work, including international projects, through courses covering social science research methods, communication, teamwork, ethical research, and topics relevant to the project location. Faculty meet regularly with student teams before travel to help prepare research proposals and travel with students to advise projects at WPI project centers around the world. The department is the intellectual home of experiential and community-based learning and stewards WPI’s Global Projects Program. Faculty teach preparation courses, supervise projects at global centers, and help students process project experiences to support career readiness and lifelong learning. Projects are often co-advised with other faculty. Faculty may also build on relationships at project centers to conduct research on relevant topics and contribute to the Great Problems Seminar, WPI’s first-year project-based learning program. The successful candidate will teach Social Science Research Methods using methods such as lecture, discussion, and active learning to guide students in background research, communication, and development of research plans. The candidate will advise projects at off-campus centers for one or two eight-week terms per year, supporting research and project development, reviewing student writing, helping teams navigate dynamics, and addressing health and safety issues as needed. Faculty also participate in pre-departure training, orientation, department meetings, and departmental service. Over time, the candidate may have the opportunity to take a leadership role directing an off-campus project center. The position is based in Worcester. Applications for full consideration, including a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and reference contact information, should be received by December 10, 2026. Salary is $82,500–$85,000 per year, based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI describes its benefits package as including a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance, and more.

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.
Ability to travel with student groups and advise projects at WPI project centers around the world.

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 teaching 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 in relevant integrative settings, such as 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.

Responsibilities

Teach Social Science Research Methods to prepare students for off-campus research and design projects, using lecture, discussion, and active learning activities.
Guide students in background research, communication, and developing clear, well-defined research plans for on-site work.
Meet with student teams during the term before travel to help prepare research proposals.
Advise student projects at WPI off-campus project centers for one or two eight-week terms per year.
Travel with students and supervise team-based projects at domestic and global project centers.
Support student teams with research, project development, professional collaboration, team dynamics, and written work.
Address student health and safety issues as needed and participate in pre-departure training and orientation activities.
Participate in department meetings and departmental service activities.
Contribute to the department’s project-based and community-engaged learning activities, including potentially the Great Problems Seminar.
Potentially take a leadership role directing an off-campus project center over time.