Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Modern US History

JOB TITLE

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Modern US History

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Humanities & Arts Department

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Department of Humanities and Arts (HUA) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks to appoint a tenure-track assistant professor in Modern US History starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, beginning in July 2025.

We welcome applications from scholars working in any thematic field, and especially invite applicants who can leverage their research to launch a creative teaching profile that pushes students to think across fields while addressing contemporary problems in historical context.

We seek someone who can provoke our students’ curiosity and who can flexibly inhabit a wide-ranging interdisciplinary department populated by courses, problem-based learning, and capstone humanities projects. Specifically, this position involves teaching and collaboratively rethinking existing courses in post-1877 US history and expanding the reach of our curriculum through new courses and capstone seminars.

The successful candidate will be a scholar-teacher of exceptional promise with an active research-publication program and a dynamic pedagogical agenda.

WPI is a campus of learners who are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We look for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job responsibilities:   

teach 6 offerings (typically 4 courses and 2 capstone inquiry seminars) per academic year, which consists of four 7-week terms (2 terms per semester)

contribute to scholarly communities through publications, presentations, and/or public scholarship

advise student projects 

participate in service to and initiatives of the Humanities and Arts Department and the university 

Qualifications: 

PhD in hand by time of appointment in History, American Studies, or a closely related field

successful classroom teaching and advising experience at the university level 

record of scholarly inquiry and clear promise of continuing professional growth and engagement

 As part of your application, please submit:

cover letter that describes your interests, values, and practices as a scholar and teacher 

CV that contains academic and professional experience and includes names and contact information for three professional references

We will request letters of reference, writing samples, and a teaching portfolio for short-listed candidates only. 

Applications received by November 30, 2024, will receive full consideration.

WPI 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1865, is one of the nation’s oldest technological universities. WPI’s mission is to create and convey scientific and technical knowledge in ways that benefit society. Education in the humanities and arts, which includes history, is central to this societal connection. The Humanities and Arts Department is home to more than ten historians and includes more than sixty faculty in Philosophy, Religion, Literature, Languages, Writing, Music, Theatre and Art. WPI encourages collaborations not only within multidisciplinary departments like HUA but throughout the university. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. We are proud of our No. 1 ranking for “faculty who best combine research and teaching” (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed, 2016). Located one hour west of Boston, the university’s campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. 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 with​ diverse 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.