Assistant Professor in Science and Technology Policy

Job Description Summary

Organization’s Summary Statement:
The School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park seeks to appoint a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Science and Technology Policy, starting in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will strengthen the School’s research and teaching capacity at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy and contribute to the continued development of science and technology policy as a strategic area of focus for the School.

We seek candidates with an ambitious research agenda focused on how public policy shapes the development, deployment, and governance of science and technology and how scientific and technological change affects international relations, governments, markets, institutions, risk management and society. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, science and innovation policy; research and development policy; semiconductor and industrial policy; standards and regulation; emerging technology governance; cybersecurity; biotechnology; space policy; quantum technologies; international, national, and homeland security; energy and climate technologies; international competition and cooperation in science and technology; and the institutions and processes through which scientific and technical expertise informs policymaking.

Candidates should demonstrate the potential to develop a strong record of high-quality scholarly research, effective teaching, policy and public engagement, and institutional service. The successful candidate will have the potential to develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program; teach in the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, including the development of foundational courses in science and technology policy as well as advanced courses in their areas of expertise; and contribute to collaborations across the School and the University, such as the School’s Center for Governance of Technology and Systems, the Global Policy Institute, the Center for Global Sustainability, Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland, the Do Good Institute, and other units across UMD, including the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM).

Minimum Qualifications
PhD or equivalent terminal degree in public policy, natural or physical sciences, engineering, computer science, data science, information science, economics, political science, international relations, sociology, or another relevant field by the time of appointment

Physical Demands
Normal classroom teaching demands. No unusual physical or environmental demands.

Preferences: N/A

Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials:

•      A cover letter (up to two pages) describing the candidate’s qualifications for the position, research agenda, and preparation to teach in the School’s programs, including science and technology policy courses.

•      A curriculum vitae.

•      A research statement (up to two pages) describing current and planned research.

•      A teaching statement (up to one page) describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy and the courses they could teach.

•      Two representative publications or writing samples (e.g., journal articles, working papers, dissertation chapters, or policy reports).

•      Contact information for at least three references.

Best Consideration Date:

•      November 30, 2026

Posting Close Date:

•      N/A

Open Until Filled:

•      Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

PLCY-School of Public Policy

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

110,000 - 125,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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