"Assistant/Associate Professor of Economics"

Job Details

The Department of Economics at Western Michigan University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at either the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank in Economics, with a specialization in Behavioral Economics.

JEL Classifications: D9 – Micro-Based Behavioral Economics E7 –- Macro-Based Behavioral Economics

This is an academic-year position, with the possibility of Summer instructional assignments for additional compensation. The start date is August 15, 2026.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to maintain a research agenda in behavioral economics-related topics; provide effective instruction to undergraduate and graduate students across behavioral economics and behavioral economics-related courses; support the success of a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students; develop new curricula and course offerings; and contribute to department, college, and university committees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Economics or a closely related field, awarded by August 15, 2026
• A record of effective undergraduate teaching in economics or a closely related field
• A record of active research activity in behavioral economics or a closely related field

Desired Qualifications:

• A background that includes teaching behavioral economics courses or behavioral-related courses at the undergraduate level, as well as an MA-level behavioral economics course.
• Capability of teaching MA-level macroeconomics and/or undergraduate courses in microeconomics fields complementary to behavioral economics, including (but not limited to) labor, health, and environmental economics.
• An established record of interdisciplinary research, as the department jointly manages a Behavioral Economics minor with the WMU Department of Psychology.
• A documented history of promoting student engagement, success, and achievement.
• An exhibited ability to implement AI or other emerging technologies in the classroom.

Department: The Department of Economics, part of the WMU College of Arts and Sciences, consists of 12 board-appointed, full-time faculty members. The department offers three majors (BA, BS, and BBA in the university’s Haworth College of Business), two minors (traditional and behavioral economics), and an MA program. Courses taught by economics faculty support its many majors and minors as well as academic programs from nearly every college across the campus.

The College: Housing 22 academic departments, schools, and institutes that enroll nearly 3,000 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students, the College of Arts and Sciences represents the foundation of learning and the academic heart of WMU. The College is committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders, and it seeks candidates who can contribute to the College’s distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action.

University: Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of nearly 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public universities in the nation conducting research at a high level. WMU recently received a $550 million endowed, multi-year Empowering Futures Gift, which will fund many projects and initiatives that aim to break down the barriers created by historic inequities.

Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car or train from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. It occupies one of Michigan’s designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers. With 263,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and enjoys a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Kalamazoo is dedicated to social justice, community development, and the elimination of generational poverty. The city is also home to the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and fees to all Michigan public (and many private) institutions of higher learning.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package. Opportunities exist to teach in the summer for additional compensation.

Starting Date: August 15, 2026.

Applications: Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should visit http://www.wmich.edu/hr/jobs to apply, where the following documents will need to be submitted:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vita
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Contact information for three references
• Unofficial or official copy of graduate transcript
• One writing sample or sample publication

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.