Visiting Assistant Professor

Department: WCAS Environ Policy & Culture

The Environmental Policy and Culture Program (EPC) at Northwestern University invites applications for two (2) full-time, three-year visiting assistant professorships, to begin September 1, 2027. EPC is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program with over 100 majors and minors, focusing on social scientific and humanistic approaches to environmental subjects.

These positions are open in terms of period and geographic focus, but we are especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches to environmental decision-making and storytelling; policy and governance at local, national, and international scales; environmental economics; and environmental philosophy. We are also interested in professional or applied knowledge and experience in the fields of legal studies, philosophy, economics, and geography. The VAPs will each teach five courses a year, at least three of which should be distinct classes (some classes could be taught twice in the same year). The VAPs will also be encouraged to take part in the life of the program, including attending program events, mentoring students, and other forms of community building.

The positions come with access to significant course development funding and we encourage candidates to think creatively about guest speakers, classroom technology, student experiences outside of the classroom, and other course enhancements.

Candidates should have received a PhD in a humanities or social science field or have equivalent professional experience by the position start date, and have significant experience teaching at the college level.

To apply please send a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching statement, evidence of teaching experience, and two letters of recommendation using the link below. In order to receive full consideration, applications must be received by October 30, 2026. Questions can be directed to Keith Woodhouse (keith.woodhouse@northwestern.edu).

Salary

The expected base pay range for this position is $63,000 - $68,000.

This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment and is subject to negotiation.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.