Senior Instructional Professor in the Committee on International Relations

The Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for one or more positions as Senior Instructional Professor (SIP) in the Committee on International Relations (CIR). This is a full-time, career track teaching position. The initial will be between three and five years, depending on rank, and will begin in Academic Year 2024-5 and is renewable with opportunity for promotion. Appointments at the Assistant, Associate, and Full Senior Instructional Professor rank will be considered.

The University of Chicago’s CIR is a one-year MA program that trains students in the theory and methods in the study international politics. CIR is a top 15 ranked Master’s program, according to Foreign Policy magazine. Founded in 1928, it is the country’s oldest MA program in International Relations. CIR’s curriculum is organized around core courses in international security, international political economy, and global governance. Students also have access to a vast array of graduate courses offered by the faculty in all University of Chicago departments. Each MA student writes an original, research-intensive thesis. Overall, the program is characterized by a strong focus on academic research and intellectual collaboration across disciplines. The program trains MA students for research-oriented positions in academia, industry, government, consulting, and a variety of think tanks. Graduates have entered top Ph.D. programs and taken prestigious non-academic professional roles.

This is a leadership position. The appointee will also hold the title of Assistant or Associate Director of CIR.

The SIP will annually teach up to four courses. These may include 2-3 courses in the current CIR core curriculum (International Security and Order, International Political Economy, or Global Governance, Rights, and Norms) or a new addition to the core curriculum. These may also include 1-2 electives on more specialized topics in international relations in any of our five field specializations:

1. International Security, Conflict Studies, and Contentious Politics;
2. International Political Economy and Development;
3. Comparative Studies in Institutions and Identity;
4. Human Rights, the Environment, and International Law; and
5. Research Methods in the Social Sciences.

The SIP will also oversee a limited number of MA theses (approximately 8-10 per year).

In their administrative leadership, the SIP will, in consultation with the Faculty Director(s) of CIR, provide leadership in vision, planning, and promotion of CIR within and beyond the University; develop, implement, and oversee curricular and co-curricular programs to advance student learning; directly supervise and evaluate other teaching personnel and manage their reappointments; develop new programming to assist in the pedagogical training of all CIR instructors; coordinate all CIR course offerings; serve as the first point of contact for students with disciplinary concerns and for student well-being; make recommendations on how best to improve program operations; lead our PhD application clinic; develop programs to improve post-graduation placement and track these outcomes; and contribute to admissions, staff hiring, student recruitment, and alumni engagement. The SIP will be supervised by CIR’s Faculty Director.

This position also includes support for professional development and the possibility of affiliate status with other academic units, such as the Department of Political Science.

Candidates must be at least three years post-PhD in prior to the start date. They must have a demonstrated record designing and teaching courses at the undergraduate or graduate level as a degreed professional, demonstrated experience in research and practice related to the field of International Relations, and promise of future achievement in the performance of all leadership, management, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities to a high standard of excellence.

The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at URL: http://apply.interfolio.com/157717 (1) a cover letter which includes information about the applicant’s prior experience with administrative duties, managing staff, and mentoring students; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a teaching statement describing previous experience in the classroom, in advising, and suggested course offerings; (4) a research statement; (5) at least one course syllabus; (6) an article-length writing sample on a topic of specialty in International Relations; (7) course evaluations or other evidence of past excellence in teaching or mentoring; and (8) the names and contact information for three recommenders.

Review of applications will begin November 23rd and will continue until the position is filled or the search is close.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.