The Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a Visiting Professor (open rank) in Public Policy and Public Affairs to begin August 1, 2025. This is a one-year appointment.

We seek a scholar with expertise in public policy and quantitative methods to contribute to our undergraduate and graduate teaching needs.  The successful candidate will teach a 2-2 course load, including research design, quantitative methods, advanced quantitative methods, and policy communication and data visualization.

This position is well-suited for a scholar looking for a short-term academic opportunity?whether early in their career, between positions, or on sabbatical.  This role will focus on teaching, but scholars will be supported in their professional development and encouraged to fully engage in the University of Tennessee?s exciting academic environment.  Examples of light service opportunities at the Baker School that contribute to professional development include advising undergraduate research, participating in a research workshop, and/or contributing to public engagement.

About the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state?s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution.  As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.  UTK is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, a thriving community in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About the Baker School

 The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs aims to produce the next generation of skilled public problem solvers prepared to take leadership roles in their communities.  Baker School students are grounded in the legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former U.S. Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan, with curriculum and co-curricular activities focused on Baker?s guiding principles, including Confidence in America, Finding Common Ground, and You Might Be Right.

The Baker School houses two research centers dedicated to addressing pressing public policy challenges and also operates the Institute of American Civics, which encourages civic knowledge and participation among UT undergraduates and the broader public.

At the time of appointment, candidates must have a doctoral degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a relevant field.

An ideal candidate would have experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in research design, quantitative methods, advanced quantitative methods, and policy communication and visualization.  However, we welcome applications from early-career scholars and other candidates who demonstrate strong methodological expertise and an interest in teaching these courses.

We seek candidates who can effectively engage students in person and online.

The title and compensation for this position will be commensurate with experience:

·        Visiting Assistant Professor: Candidates at this rank should provide evidence of teaching effectiveness and a demonstrated ability to develop and deliver coursework in public policy and quantitative methods.

·        Visiting Associate Professor: Candidates should have at least five years of experience in teaching or related academic work and a record of professional activity.

Visiting Full Professor: Candidates should have at least ten years of experience, a strong teaching record, and a record of significant professional activity.

Position Expectations and Compensation

·        Teaching Load: 2 courses per semester (2-2)

·        Service Expectations: Minimal, but may include mentorship, student engagement, or participation in Baker School programming.

·        Course Modality: Courses will be taught in person, with the possibility of some online instruction.

·        Compensation:
  - $100,000 at the Assistant Professor level
  - $120,000 at the Associate Professor level
  - $140,000 at the Full Professor level

Applicants should submit the following via Interfolio:

- Cover letter
- CV
- Graduate transcripts
- Teaching statement

- Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., syllabi and course evaluations)
- Names and contact information for three references

Additional materials, such as examples of scholarly works, are welcome but not required.

Review of applications will begin April 8, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries, contact Professor Jack Mewhirter at jmewhirt@utk.edu.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.

About University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Our primary mission is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate the citizens of the state of Tennessee, the nation, and the world. As the preeminent research-based, land-grant university in the state, UT embodies the spirit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement attained by the nation’s finest public research institutions.

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