Instructional Professor (Political Science)

The Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for appointment as Instructional Professor (IP), with a specialization in Political Science, in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (https://mapss.uchicago.edu). We are particularly interested in candidates with the training and experience to teach and advise students in experimental and/or quantitative methods.

This is a full-time, career track teaching and advising position that that involves designing graduate seminars and mentoring students on research projects. The initial three-year appointment will begin in Academic Year 2024-25 and is renewable with opportunity for promotion. Appointment at rank Assistant, Associate, and full Instructional Professor will be considered based on the candidate’s experience.

MAPSS is a one-year program providing students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students concentrate in psychology, economics, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or in interdisciplinary research, and conduct original research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty. MAPSS recruits talented

students from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and trajectories. Some go on to doctoral study after MAPSS, while others use the degree to advance their career with the help of an in-house Career Service team.

IP at UChicago teach up to 6 courses per year; in MAPSS, IP generally perform substantive roles advising students on their independent research projects and quarterly course selection, serve as second-readers on student theses, provide broad academic and professional guidance to masters students, and participate in admissions and recruiting as well as other co-curricular academic programming, resulting in an annual teaching load of 4 courses plus other assigned responsibilities. These courses include one section of the MAPSS core course “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis,” at least one graduate seminar introducing an important social science research methodology, and other courses oriented toward MA and/or undergraduate students, according to program need.

In addition to teaching, the IP will annually mentor a group of students; serve as second reader on their MA theses; advise a limited number of theses as the primary reader; hold weekly office hours; organize occasional events for their students; hire and manage teaching assistants; contribute to program operations such as admissions, staff hiring, and student recruitment; attend staff meetings; support students in their applications to doctoral programs; and participate in the student academic conference or on decision-making committees (e.g. student prizes).

The position includes support for professional development, including funds to attend conferences and workshops, as well as mentoring from senior members of the MAPSS instructional team. The position also offers opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the University.

Applicants must have a PhD in Political Science or a PhD in a related discipline prior to the start date. Prior teaching in the social sciences is required. Experience mentoring students on original research projects is preferred.

The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at: http://apply.interfolio.com/140235 1) a cover letter, outlining the applicant’s prior training and research experience, their prior teaching and/or mentoring experience, and their suggested course offerings; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) an article-length writing sample; 4) at least one course syllabus designed by the candidate; 5) course evaluations or other evidence of past experience teaching or mentoring; 6) a teaching statement; and 7) three letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity .

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email [email protected] with their request.