Instructional Professor - Political Science

Description 

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). Preference will be given to applicants whose research focuses on race, immigration, or Native and Indigenous studies. This is a full-time, career track teaching position that offers opportunities for both classroom teaching and for mentoring students on research projects. The initial three-year appointment will begin in Academic Year 2023-24 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 work directly with UChicago faculty on an original MA thesis project. MAPSS is highly selective for admission and recruits talented students from across the United States and around the world. Approximately 35% go on to elite PhD programs after they graduate, while the majority pursue research-oriented careers with the help of an in-house Career Service team. Students are selected from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and research trajectories, and help to make the Division of Social Sciences a more diverse and vibrant intellectual community. 

The IP will annually teach four courses, including one section of the MAPSS core course “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis,” at least one graduate seminar introducing an important research methodology in Political Science, 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 concentrating in Political Science or a related field, and serve as second reader on their MA theses; advise a limited number of theses as the primary reader; lead an MA Proposal Workshop; hold weekly office hours; hire and manage teaching assistants; contribute to program admissions, staff hiring, and student recruitment; attend staff meetings; support students in their applications to doctoral programs; and participate 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.  

Qualifications 

Applicants must have a PhD in Political Science or a PhD in a related discipline prior to the start date. Prior teaching experience in Political Science is required. 

Application Instructions 

The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/119270: 1) a cover letter, outlining the applicant’s prior training and research experience in Political Science or a related field, their prior teaching 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 February 27, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. 

This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union 

EEO Statement: 

“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 identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.”