Instructional Professor of Political Science in MAPSS (Open Rank)

The University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences invites applications for appointment as Instructional Professor (IP) at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, with a specialization in Political Science, in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (https://mapss.uchicago.edu). We invite applications from candidates across the full range of fields within the discipline. We are especially interested in candidates whose substantive work addresses questions around identity and who have expertise in either quantitative or qualitative methods.

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 Academic Year 2027-28 and is renewable with opportunity for promotion. Academic rank and compensation (including a generous package of fringe benefits) are dependent upon qualifications.

MAPSS is a one-year program providing students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students concentrate in psychology, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or in interdisciplinary fields, and conduct research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty or MAPSS IPs. MAPSS recruits talented students from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and trajectories. Some go on to doctoral study after MAPSS, but most use the degree to advance their careers with the help of an in-house Career Services team.

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 course 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. The specific courses IP teach in any quarter are determined by the MAPSS Faculty Director and Director.

MAPSS IP perform substantive roles as preceptors, a position that involves annually advising students on quarterly course selection and independent research projects, serving as second readers on student theses, supervising capstone projects, and providing broad academic and professional guidance. 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, recruiting, and staff meetings, and contribute to program operations and co-curricular academic programming, including the annual student academic conference.

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.