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Assistant Professor of African Studies
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Position Number: 2578050
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Science - Computer Science

JOB TITLE
Assistant Professor of African Studies

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Social Science & Policy Studies

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Department of Social Science and Policy Studies (SSPS) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites applicants for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Africana Studies. We are looking for someone with a background in Africana Studies who can teach undergraduate and graduate students at the nexus of science, technology, and society, in areas such as health, energy, and/or the environment. In addition, they will teach some content courses in Africana Studies and development.

Our intention is to recruit individuals with a combined social science and engineering/technical background with a track record, or the potential to develop a strong record, in cutting-edge research. We seek someone with a strong background at the intersection of indigenous knowledges and engineering, engineering studies, technology, and/or policy that relates to WPI's approach that emphasizes theory, practice, and project based learning. A focus on Sub-Saharan Africa is desired. Our department has strong ties to multiple research disciplines which provides an infrastructure to support collaborations across disciplines.

To qualify applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field by September, 2022.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities of the position include publishing innovative research, contributing to undergraduate and graduate instruction in the SSPS department, and performing professional service. The successful candidate will participate in undergraduate and graduate research related to their specific expertise. They will collaborate with researchers in the Development Design Lab and the Institute of Science and Technology for Development (InSTeD). We seek a theoretically informed scholar who has strong interest in taking their ideas from theory to practice.

Salary: Competitive, depending on qualifications and experience.

Preferred Start Date: August 2022

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Teach courses and seminars as assigned;
Design courses for SSPS graduate and undergraduate programs;
Advise undergraduate student research projects;
Supervise Master and PhD student theses/dissertations;
Co-design Africana Studies curriculum;
Participate in initiatives conducted by the SSPS Department and InSTeD;
Sustain a research program in sub-Sahran Africa;
Advise graduate and undergraduate students in SSPS and related programs.

REQUIREMENTS

PhD in history, sociology, anthropology, geography, political science, or related field
Record of publication and projects focused on Sub-Saharan Africa
Promising record of teaching and research

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will only be accepted via online submission. Applications should include:

(1) a cover letter describing your interests in the position and related experiences in research and teaching

(2) a statement outlining research/scholarship activity

(3) a statement describing teaching philosophy, advising, and service

(4) a diversity statement that includes the applicant's past and/or future contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, and/or inclusion through research, teaching, and/or service

(5) 2 sample publications that best represent your work

(6) a CV. Applicants should also submit contact information for three references.

In order to ensure full consideration, applications should be received by December 17, 2021. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Department Contact for Questions

Applicants interested in this position should send inquiries to the search committee chair Professor Crystal H. Brown (cbrown2@wpi.edu) in the SSPS Department in the School of Arts and Sciences at WPI.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is one of the nation's first technological universities. A highly selective private university located within an hour of Boston in the heart of Massachusetts. WPI is consistently ranked among the top 70 research institutions by US News & World Report. The university is home to an innovative and intensive project-based curriculum that empowers students with the knowledge and skills to address real-world problems around the globe.

WPI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community for faculty, staff, and students, where all community members feel a connected sense of belonging. WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

To learn more about our department and university visit https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/social-science-policy-studies.

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

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. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Assistant-Professor-of-African-Studies_R0001609

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.