"Assistant Teaching Professor of Aging Studies"

University Information

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a dynamic public research university recognized for inclusive excellence, innovation, and student-centered teaching. Located in the Baltimore–Washington corridor, UMBC is nationally known for advancing social mobility, interdisciplinary scholarship, and community engagement.

The Erickson School of Aging Studies is one of only three freestanding schools of aging in the United States. We are redefining aging education through a forward-looking paradigm of "new aging" — positioning aging not as a niche specialty, but as a central demographic, economic, social, and technological force shaping every sector of society. Our programs prepare students to lead in the longevity economy across policy, business, health systems, technology, and community-based services.

Primary Purpose of the Erickson School of Aging Studies

The primary purpose of the Erickson School of Aging Studies is to advance interdisciplinary education, scholarship, and engagement focused on aging as a central demographic, economic, social, and technological force shaping society.

The Erickson School prepares current and future leaders to address the opportunities and challenges of population aging through innovative teaching, applied learning, and cross-sector collaboration.

The Erickson School of Aging Studies, housed at within the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Aging Services, undergraduate minors in Management of Aging Services, Aging Studies, and Health, Wellness, and Aging. Graduate certificates include Principles in Management of Aging Services, Dementia Care Services, and Senior Housing Administration.

Position Summary

The Erickson School of Aging Studies invites applications for Assistant Teaching Professor positions (9-month, full-time, non-tenure track) with an August 1, 2026, start date.

Teaching faculty are integral members of the Erickson School and contribute to:

• High-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching
• Academic advising and student mentorship
• Curriculum development and program innovation
• Service to the School, University, and profession
• Community and industry engagement

The standard teaching load is four courses per semester, with potential adjustments based on service or administrative responsibilities.

Initial appointments are multi-year contracts with eligibility for renewal and promotion within the teaching faculty ranks.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must have:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., Dr.P.H., D.B.A., J.D., or equivalent) in aging studies, gerontology, public policy, business, public health, social sciences, health sciences, technology, or a related discipline (ABD candidates considered if degree is completed by start date)
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching
• Ability to teach core aging studies coursework and develop applied, interdisciplinary offerings
• Commitment to advising and mentoring diverse students
• Professional experience or demonstrated engagement in aging-related sectors

Preferred Qualifications

Additional consideration will be given to candidates who also have one or more of the following:

• Established record of teaching across modalities (in-person, hybrid, online synchronous/asynchronous)
• Curriculum or program development experience
• Community-engaged or experiential learning expertise
• External partnerships with government, nonprofit, or private-sector organizations
• Grant writing or externally funded project experience
• Scholarship or professional publications relevant to aging
• Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence
• Entrepreneurial, innovation, or interdisciplinary collaboration experience
• International or cross-cultural perspectives on aging

Essential Capabilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Teaching Excellence: Engaging pedagogy that fosters critical thinking and applied learning
• Interdisciplinary Integration: Ability to situate aging within broader economic, policy, technological, and social contexts
• Innovation Mindset: Willingness to develop new curricular models and learning experiences
• Professional Connectivity: Capacity to build and sustain partnerships across sectors
• Cultural and Demographic Awareness: Understanding of how aging intersects with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, disability, and global demographic change
• Collaborative Engagement: Effective participation in a growing, mission-driven academic community.

Applications should include:

• Cover letter detailing interest and alignment with the Erickson School mission
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement (including philosophy and modality experience)
• Statement describing contributions to inclusive excellence
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Lee Ann Steffen (lasteffen@umbc.edu), search committee chair.

UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.