"Adjunct Faculty-Great Problems Seminar"

Job Description Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Global School is seeking adjunct faculty to advise project teams as part of WPI's signature first-year Great Problems Seminar. Successful candidates will co-teach a first-year course focused on a thematic area related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

These faculty positions are created to provide an available applicant pool for the program. Positions will be filled on an as needed basis. Start dates will vary by GPS course.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the program. Your application will remain in the pool until the posting closes. If you wish to be considered for positions beyond that date, then you must reapply.

Job Description

The Great Problems Seminar (GPS) is a two-term course that immerses first-year students into university-level research and introduces them to the project-based curriculum at WPI.

Instructors work with students exploring a global grand challenge (e.g., food security, houselessness, climate change) in a project-based classroom. Students work on project teams to tackle an issue that relates science, engineering, and technology to society.

Instructors guide students through their project experience while also providing student wraparound support to help acclimate to college level academic and research.

Instructors are asked to teach the theory and research methods behind exploring these different global challenges, create space for teamwork and co-ownership of the research process, and assist project teams to deliver a high-quality research project and theoretical solution. The experience culminates with a public poster session where students present their work to community members, within and outside of WPI.

An ideal applicant will hold an advanced degree in a related discipline with relevant practical experience, in addition to successful undergraduate or graduate teaching experience.

FLSA STATUS: United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

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About WPI

WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI

WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.