At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and research in public policy, engaging with diverse student populations and community organisations.
- Company: UMass Boston, a vibrant urban public research university focused on public service and policy.
- Benefits: Tenure-track position with opportunities for research funding and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social issues like racial disparity and gender inequality through teaching and research.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in public policy or related field, with strong research and teaching skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to inclusion and impactful scholarship.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin September 1, 2026. The position is in the Public Policy and Public Affairs program within the John W. McCormack School of Policy and Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts at UMass Boston.
Responsibilities
- Teach in the Ph.D. in Public Policy program, the Master’s in Public Administration, and the Master’s in Public Policy programs, as well as undergraduate courses in the field of expertise.
- Develop and maintain an active program of research with evidence of external funding or potential for external funding.
- Contribute to the methods training core and related graduate courses; design diverse course syllabi and teach diverse student populations.
- Engage in policy-relevant, publicly engaged scholarship and collaborate with community-based organizations, nonprofits/NGOs, and government agencies.
- Address issues of racial disparity, gender inequality, and intersectional inequities in teaching and research as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent in a field related to public policy/public affairs by August 31, 2026.
- Degree in applied social sciences is preferred; acceptable fields include public health, health policy, sociology, political science, public policy, public administration, among others.
- Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in health and/or economic inequality by race/ethnicity, disability status, gender, and related factors as they relate to health policy, international development, or a combination of health policy and international development.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research; ability to secure external funding or strong potential to do so.
- Ability to teach in multiple programs and to contribute to graduate and undergraduate curricula; strong research skills.
Application Materials
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research sample
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness and/or a teaching statement
- Three letters of recommendation
About the Department and University
UMass Boston is an urban public research university with a teaching-oriented mission. The department focuses on training public service professionals and policy scholars across multiple social science disciplines and methods, with graduates working in research, government, and nonprofit sectors in the United States and globally.
Diversity and Inclusion
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, reasonable accommodations for the hiring process are available. If accommodations are needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.
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Assistant Professor (Public Policy and Public Affairs) employer: UMass Boston
Contact Detail:
UMass Boston Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor (Public Policy and Public Affairs)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current faculty or alumni from UMass Boston. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the department and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research chops! Prepare a short presentation of your research ideas and how they align with UMass Boston's focus on public policy and social equity. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved in community initiatives! Highlight any collaborations with nonprofits or government agencies in your application. It shows you're committed to making a real-world impact, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the UMass Boston community.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor (Public Policy and Public Affairs)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for public policy and how your expertise aligns with our department's focus. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know what excites you about this role.
Showcase Your Research: When it comes to your research sample, pick something that not only showcases your skills but also reflects the issues we care about, like racial disparity and gender inequality. We’re looking for innovative ideas, so make sure your work stands out!
Highlight Teaching Effectiveness: Include evidence of your teaching effectiveness or a solid teaching statement. We value diverse student populations, so share any experiences you have in engaging different groups. Let us know how you make learning accessible and exciting!
Get Those Recommendations: Three strong letters of recommendation can really boost your application. Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your potential in research and teaching. We want to hear about your impact from those who’ve seen it firsthand!
How to prepare for a job interview at UMass Boston
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in public policy and public affairs, especially in areas like health and economic inequality. Brush up on recent research and case studies that relate to your expertise, as this will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you engage diverse student populations. Think about specific examples of how you've designed course syllabi or adapted your teaching methods to meet the needs of different learners.
✨Research Funding Potential
Be ready to talk about your research agenda and how you plan to secure external funding. Highlight any past successes or potential collaborations with community organisations or government agencies that could enhance your research impact.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since UMass Boston values diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you address issues of racial disparity and gender inequality in your work. Share examples of how you’ve incorporated these themes into your teaching and research.