Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Political Science Survey Research

The Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) invites applicants for a tenure-track position in Political Communication, at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in the fall of 2023. The new hire will join our Political Communication Core Faculty, a strategic strength of the university, and aid in the administration of the UML Center for Public Opinion. UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion conducts public opinion polling at the state and national levels and is engaged in survey research support and teaching across the campus. The nationally recognized center uses the latest technology and highest standards in its surveys and is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s Transparency Initiative. The center’s events and polls on political and social issues provide unique opportunities for civic engagement, experiential learning and research by students and faculty at the University. The new hire will have frequent opportunities to pursue their own research through center-funded large N surveys and survey experiments.  

Candidates should have a strong record of scholarship and evidence of effective teaching. Strength in survey methods is a core requirement. Strength in one or more of the following fields is desired: race and ethnic politics, elections, media, public opinion, voting behavior, or public policy (we are open to area, but are especially interested in scholars who would be able to contribute to policy course offerings in our MPA program). The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Political Science or related field by September 1, 2023.

The Department of Political Science features a diverse body of faculty with research and teaching interests that cut across different geographic, methodological, and thematic areas.  Research productive faculty teach a 2/2 course load. Leadership roles with the Center for Public Opinion offer opportunities for further course load reductions. The department has experienced significant enrollment growth in its undergraduate major (which includes specializations in American Politics, Political Communication, International Politics, and Law & Politics), and has played an integral role in the College’s interdisciplinary graduate programs, including its PhD in Global Studies, Master’s degree program in Peace and Conflict Studies, and the new MPA. Department faculty are engaged in leadership roles for a range of campus-wide research and experiential learning initiatives, including the Model UN Program, Emerging Scholar Program, the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion, Climate Change Initiative, and International Study Abroad Programs.

The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) is the largest academic unit of the University, with 12 academic departments and over 230 full-time faculty. FAHSS has experienced significant growth in recent years, including hiring over 70 new faculty members, achieving a 70% growth in funded research expenditures, and adding several new interdisciplinary graduate programs.

This hire will be part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell hire of six tenure-track faculty members (various ranks) as part of our 2022-2023 Social & Health Policy cluster hiring initiative. As outlined in our values statement, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, as a public higher education institution, recognizes its responsibility to serve the public good and immediate surrounding communities.  Faculty in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are nationally and internationally recognized for research and work engaging some of the pressing social issues facing the world today, such as race equity, health, and education (for more information about UML FAHSS Research Centers, please visit the college website.) The FAHSS cluster hiring initiative marks an essential step towards our goal of increasing inclusive excellence by recruiting outstanding faculty across disciplines who share our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, impactful socially- and community-engaged research, student engagement and experiential learning, and institutional transformation.

Greater Lowell, Merrimack Valley, and the Boston region are home to diverse communities. The historic city of Lowell, MA, is a gateway city that is a majority-minority city (20.9% Asian American, 17.9% Hispanic, 8% Black/African American). UMass Lowell has robust partnerships with the City of Lowell, Lowell Public Schools, health organizations, and many other local nonprofits and businesses. The Boston region is also home to a large number of potential research partners.

About University of Massachusetts Lowell:

UMass Lowell is a national research university committed to preparing our students for work in the real world--solving real problems and helping real people--by providing an affordable high-quality education. US News and World Report ranks UMass Lowell among the top 200 research universities in the country, and our rankings have been consistently rising.  The university offers an excellent salary and benefits package.

UMass Lowell is an equal education/employment opportunity institution dedicated to building a diverse community. We strongly encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

  • The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Political Science or related field by September 1, 2023  

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin December 9th and will continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close once an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

The appointment is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2023.

Please submit the following required documents with your application:

  • Curriculum Vita
  • Cover Letter delineating qualifications for the position
  • Teaching Statement
  • Research Statement
  • Diversity Statement that describes your commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity across scholarship, teaching, and service activities
  • Names and contact information for three references will be required at the time of application. References will be contacted for a letter of reference immediately after application submission. References will be required to upload recommendation letters to our online portal; neither emailed nor hard-copy letters will be accepted. *Three letters of reference are required.

 

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in this area.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.

Please read this "EEO is the Law" poster (pdf), which provides an overview of many relevant equal opportunity laws.