Johnson Lecturer of Political Science in MAPSS

Position description

The Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for appointment as Johnson Lecturer, with a specialization in Political Science, in the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (https://mapss.uchicago.edu). We invite applications from candidates across the full range of fields within the discipline. Areas of expertise that are of particular interest to MAPSS include China, quantitative methods, and migration. 

This is a full-time teaching and advising position that involves designing graduate seminars, mentoring students on research projects, and helping a diverse range of students navigate graduate school. This instructorship is for a term of four years, beginning September 1, 2025. 

MAPSS is a one-year program providing students with a foundation in graduate-level interdisciplinary social science research. Students concentrate in psychology, economics, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, or in interdisciplinary research, and conduct original research projects under the supervision of UChicago faculty. MAPSS recruits talented students from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and trajectories. Some go on to doctoral study after MAPSS, while others use the degree to advance their careers with the help of an in-house Career Services team.

The Johnson Lecturer will annually teach three courses, including one section of the MAPSS core social theory course “Perspectives in Social Science Analysis,” and other courses oriented toward MA and/or undergraduate students, according to program need. This often includes a graduate seminar introducing an important social science research methodology. 

Johnson Lecturers perform substantive roles as preceptors, a position that entails advising students on their independent research projects and quarterly course selection, serving as first and second readers on student theses, and providing broad academic and professional guidance to a cohort of master’s students in office hours. They also closely advise students and alumni who are applying to PhD programs. 

Johnson Lecturers contribute to program operations, hire and manage teaching assistants, and participate in staff meetings and pedagogy workshops. They serve on two program committees each year, according to program need. 

The position includes support for professional development, including funds to attend conferences and workshops, as well as mentoring from senior members of the MAPSS instructional team. The position also offers opportunities to participate in the intellectual life of the University.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in Political Science or in a related discipline prior to the start date. Prior teaching in the social sciences is required. Experience mentoring students on original research projects is preferred.

Application instructions

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