The Hartford Graduate Center, commonly referred to as Rensselaer at Hartford, serves as a vital extension of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), one of the oldest technological universities in the United States, founded in 1824. Located in Hartford, Connecticut, this graduate campus specializes in advanced degrees for working professionals, offering master's and doctoral programs in fields like engineering, computer science, and management. Unlike traditional campuses, it emphasizes evening and weekend classes to accommodate full-time careers, making it a hub for lifelong learners in the Northeast's tech corridor.
Jobs at Hartford Graduate Center (Rensselaer at Hartford) attract professionals passionate about higher education, blending academic rigor with industry relevance. The campus fosters innovation, drawing from RPI's legacy of research excellence, including contributions to nanotechnology and supercomputing. With Connecticut's strong engineering sector nearby, including companies like Pratt & Whitney and General Dynamics Electric Boat in nearby Groton, opportunities often intersect academia and industry.
Established in 1955 as the Hartford Graduate Center, it became part of RPI in 1997, expanding access to RPI's prestigious programs. The mission centers on providing high-quality graduate education that advances technological leadership. Over decades, it has graduated thousands of engineers and managers who lead in aerospace, IT, and manufacturing.
This history shapes jobs at the center, prioritizing faculty who bridge theory and practice. For instance, programs evolved to include cybersecurity and data analytics in response to regional demands, creating roles for experts in emerging technologies.
Rensselaer at Hartford offers over 20 graduate programs across departments like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, and Technology, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship. Signature offerings include the MS in Systems Engineering and PhD in Mechanical Engineering, designed for professionals seeking advancement without pausing careers.
These programs inform job needs, with demand for faculty in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy. Research centers focus on applied projects, such as advanced manufacturing, supporting roles in research jobs.
Career opportunities span faculty, staff, and research positions. Faculty jobs include full-time professors, adjunct lecturers for evening classes, and visiting scholars. Administrative roles cover enrollment, student services, and program coordination. Research positions like postdocs and assistants support funded projects. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Positions emphasize practical experience, appealing to industry veterans transitioning to academia.
Jobs at Hartford Graduate Center (Rensselaer at Hartford) demand strong credentials. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD in the relevant field for tenure-track faculty or research roles; master's degrees suffice for adjuncts or administrative positions with equivalent experience.
Research focus areas prioritize applied engineering, such as systems integration, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, aligning with regional industries like submarine design in Groton. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in top journals), securing grants (NSF average $200K+), and industry collaborations.
Essential skills and competencies include:
These ensure candidates contribute to RPI's goal of tech innovation.
The application process starts on the RPI careers site (rpi.edu/jobs). Submit a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Interviews involve teaching demos and research presentations.
Actionable tips:
Average hiring timeline: 3-6 months. Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com.
Rensselaer at Hartford actively promotes diversity through RPI's commitment to inclusive excellence. Initiatives include the Women in Engineering program, supporting female faculty via mentoring and funding. The ADVANCE grant (NSF-funded) addresses gender equity, with workshops and bias training. Affinity groups for underrepresented minorities foster belonging. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding regional averages. These efforts create equitable jobs at Hartford Graduate Center (Rensselaer at Hartford).
The campus supports work-life balance with flexible hours, remote options for admin roles, and generous PTO (20+ days/year). Evening class schedules allow faculty personal time. Campus life features modern facilities, including labs and lounges, plus Hartford's cultural scene—museums, dining. Proximity to Groton offers nature escapes. Employee wellness includes gym access and EAP. RPI family events build community, making it ideal for professionals.
Competitive salaries (lecturers ~$80K-$120K, professors $130K+) include health coverage, 403(b) matching, tuition remission for dependents, and sabbaticals. Growth via conferences, postdoc success strategies, and leadership tracks. Ties to RPI's network open executive higher ed jobs.
Monitor RPI jobs page and AcademicJobs.com for listings. Tailor searches for higher ed jobs, research assistant jobs, or lecturer jobs. Higher ed career advice and university jobs resources help. Employers can post a job.
In summary, jobs at Hartford Graduate Center (Rensselaer at Hartford) offer rewarding paths in a dynamic environment. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job today.
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