Job 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 (). We invite applications from candidates across the full range of fields within the discipline. Areas of expertise that are of particular interest to MAPSS include China, quantitative methods, and migration. 

This is a full-time, career track teaching and advising position that involves designing graduate seminars, mentoring students on research projects, and helping a diverse range of students navigate graduate school. The initial three-year appointment will begin in the Academic Year 2025-26 and is renewable with the opportunity for promotion. Appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or 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 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 careers with the help of an in-house Career Services team.  

IP at UChicago teach up to 6 courses per year. In MAPSS, IP have an annual teaching load of 4 courses, in addition to substantial mentoring and service responsibilities. Their courses include one section of the MAPSS core social theory course "Perspectives in Social Science Analysis," and other courses oriented toward MA and/or undergraduate students, according to program need. This often includes a graduate seminar introducing an important social science research methodology. 

MAPSS IP perform substantive roles as preceptors, a position that entails advising students on their independent research projects and quarterly course selection, serving as first and second readers on student theses, and providing broad academic and professional guidance to a cohort of master?s students during office hours. They also closely advise students and alumni who are applying to PhD programs. 

MAPSS IP fulfill a range of service requirements. They participate in admissions and recruiting as well as other co-curricular academic programming. They hire and manage teaching assistants and contribute to program operations, participate in staff meetings and pedagogy workshops, 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 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 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) a doctoral transcript (unofficial is acceptable); 4) an article-length writing sample; 5) at least one course syllabus designed by the candidate; 6) course evaluations or other evidence of past experience teaching or mentoring; 7) a teaching statement; and 8) three letters of recommendation. 

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2025, 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  .

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.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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