Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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Worcester
WPI’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies seeks a full-time, secure contract faculty at the Assistant Professor level whose teaching and project advising will support WPI’s undergraduate interdisciplinary projects program.
Successful candidates will teach courses that prepare students for team-based, off-campus, including international, project work. The course address topics including social science research methods, effective communications and teamwork, ethical research and often includes material related to the students’ project country/location.
In addition, assistant teaching professors will be required to travel with groups of students to advise team-based projects at WPI’s project centers around the world. Faculty also meet with student teams regularly during the term prior to travel to assist in the preparation of research proposals to guide the students’ work.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 to create and convey the latest science and engineering knowledge in ways that are most beneficial to society. Today, WPI holds firm to its founding mission to provide an education that balances theory with practice. WPI's 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The university’s curriculum features a rigorous but flexible program that is project-based and globally-engaged, aimed at quality experience and positive engagement with communities around the world. WPI faculty members work with students on interdisciplinary research and design, addressing important and socially relevant challenges, both on campus and at more than 50 project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
About the Department of Integrative and Global Studies
WPI’s Department of Integrative and Global Studies (DIGS) serves as a gateway for students and faculty to connect with and make a difference in communities around the world. The department is the intellectual home of experiential and community-based learning at the university, providing stewardship for the university’s signature Global Projects Program. The Global Projects Program is an interdisciplinary, project-based learning initiative that engages students in collaborative, community-centered research and problem-solving with local and international partners to address real-world challenges. It offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary project experience that challenges students to address problems at the intersection of science, technology and society.
WPI requires students to work in teams to complete a nine-credit hour project that confronts an open-ended problem at the interface of society and technology, and most students fulfill this requirement through an 8-week term at one of the project centers around the world.
DIGS faculty members advise students through the full arc of these team-based projects. They teach a preparation course on research methods and design thinking; they travel with students and supervise projects at one of the university’s 50+ global project centers; and they help student process these experiences to advance career readiness and lifelong learning. In most cases, faculty co-advise these projects with other faculty members. The faculty also build on relationships at these global project centers to conduct research on topics such as sustainable food systems, urban planning, innovation and entrepreneurship, conservation, climate resilience, community development, and many other topics, including pedagogical research around project-based and community-engaged learning.
DIGS faculty also deliver the first-year project-based learning program, the Great Problems Seminar, which guides students through team-based projects addressing global grand challenges as part of a campus-based course.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Preparing students for their off-campus research and design experience by teaching Social Science Research Methods, which usually incorporates lecture, discussion, and active learning activities to guide students in background research, communication and developing clear, well-defined research plans for on-site work.
Advising student projects at WPI’s off campus project centers for one or two 8-week terms per year. Faculty advisors support student teams throughout their project experience, providing guidance on research, project development, and professional collaboration. Advisors also review student writing, help teams navigate team dynamics, and address health and safety issues as needed.
Over time, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to take a leadership role in directing one of the off-campus project centers that comprise WPI’s domestic and global project network.
Faculty also participate in pre-departure training and orientation activities to ensure students are prepared to address health and safety issues while traveling, as well as department meetings and departmental service activities.
Desired Attributes
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.
Demonstrated evidence of 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 a wide variety of audiences including undergraduates, field professionals, scholars, policymakers, and other community stakeholders.
Experience in relevant integrative settings, such as but not limited to, 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.
Position Requirements
A PhD in a relevant integrative field, such as but not limited to, Anthropology, Geography, History, International Studies or Development, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Human-Centered Design, or Communication.
How to Apply
For full consideration, applications, including a cover letter (2 page max), CV, teaching statement (2 page max), and research statement (2 page max), and contact information for references should be received by December 10, 2026.
Please note that we are also hiring a tenure track teaching faculty position in DIGS. Qualified applicants are welcome to submit applications for both positions.
Salary: $82,500 - $85,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.