Baker School of Public Policy - Teaching Assistant/Associate Professor Research Methods for Public Policy and Administration Fall 2026

The Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking to fill a non-tenure track faculty position specializing in teaching research methods to students of public policy and public administration. We are seeking a scholar to teach a wide array of methods based courses, including research design, data analysis, data visualization, and policy communication.

We seek an educator who will contribute to teaching in master’s programs in public administration (MPA) and public policy (MPP), as well as an undergraduate major in Public Affairs. We have particular need for scholars who can teach in a rapidly growing online MPA program.

The teaching load is 3-4 with an expectation that the faculty member will also perform significant service to the School, University, the profession and/or the community.

The appointment will begin August 1, 2026. This is a 9-month position for which the faculty member will be paid on a 12-month basis. The initial appointment will be for one year, after which the appointment may be renewed for additional terms of one-to-three years each. The position is open as to rank: Teaching Assistant Professor or Teaching Associate Professor. Salary is commensurate with rank and experience.

Who We Are

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

The Baker School was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former US Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-sq. ft purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for twenty years has operated as a think-tank producing research, public engagement programming, and an active set of student programs. The Baker School is very excited to add degree programs and to grow its research programming into independent research centers. In addition, the Baker School houses the Institute of American Civics, which is responsible for encouraging civic knowledge and civic participation among UT undergraduates and the state at large.

We are a dynamic and close-knit team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are devoted to research, education, and public service initiatives that address real world problems in local, state, national, and global communities. Each member of our team is a valuable contributor to achieving our mission and we work together to find innovative approaches to moving the Baker School forward. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For

We are in search of a solution-finder, someone who enthusiastically embraces opportunities to address novel situations through teamwork and collaboration. We need a hardworking and flexible professional, who thrives in developing out-of-the-box approaches and addressing new challenges. We are looking for an achiever, someone who is searching for a chance to grow their skills and who is open to learning from others. We need a critical thinker who exercises good judgment and who can be relied upon and trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership inside and beyond the academy. We need teammates who are dedicated to public service.

Minimum Qualifications (All Candidates)

Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Political Science, or a related field at time of appointment and must have demonstrable methods training and, preferably, experience in teaching research methods at the college or university level.

Rank-Specific Qualifications

Assistant Teaching Professor: Candidates should demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching, including the ability to effectively teach research methods or related courses.

Associate Teaching Professor: Candidates must demonstrate a record of effective college- or university-level teaching, including experience teaching research methods or related courses.

Applicants should submit the following via Interfolio:

• A cover letter explaining their research and teaching experience
• A current CV
• A sample of scholarly writing
• Teaching evaluations (if available)
• Contact information for three references to be contacted by the search committee.

The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts and undergo a background check. Review of applications will begin April 6, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For questions or inquiries, contact the search chair: Dr. Jack Mewhirter, jmewhirt@utk.edu.