Assistant Professor in Public Policy (Tenure Stream)

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a tenure-stream faculty position at the assistant professor level in the field of public policy, broadly defined. The position will begin in August 2025. Applicants must have earned a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., public affairs, public policy, public administration, political science, economics) by the time of the appointment. We encourage applications from individuals completing a PhD and those in pre-tenure positions at other institutions.

We seek candidates with a promise of excellence in scholarship and teaching in public policy and expertise in a particular policy area, including knowledge of the US context. Topical areas could include but are not limited to social policy (e.g. public assistance, health, housing, labor, justice, and policing), technology policy, urban and local policy, economic development, and public finance.

A successful applicant will have the expertise to teach core public policy courses at the PhD and master’s level and in our newly launched and growing undergraduate public policy program. Examples include policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, ethics and policy, and policymaking and the policymaking process. Candidates should also have the capacity to teach topical courses, especially ones related to our concentrations, which include policy research & analysis, public & nonprofit management, energy & environment, social policy, urban affairs & planning, and governance & international public management.

GSPIA is a multidisciplinary school with a PhD program in Public & International Affairs, four master’s programs, and an undergraduate major in Public Policy. The successful applicant will have many opportunities for research collaboration within the School and across the University. The School’s faculty work with colleagues and students in numerous other units on campus (e.g., political science, economics, sociology, public health, education, etc.), allowing for deeper engagement in disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. GSPIA also has several multidisciplinary research centers related to public policy and the policy process, including the Center for Analytical Approaches to Social Innovation, the Center for Governance and Markets, the Ford Institute for Human Security, the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, and the Ridgway Center for International Security.

As a School devoted to public service, GSPIA faculty members blend academic rigor and inquiry with the practical needs of communities and policymakers. To foster constructive engagement in a pluralistic society, we seek to be a vibrant intellectual community where people with diverse perspectives engage with civility to address societal challenges. We embrace the diversity of experience and perspective of all members of our community, including those arising from differences of race, gender, gender identity / expression, ethnicity, abilities / disabilities, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political beliefs, socioeconomic status and background, geographic region, migrant / immigrant / refugee status (including, but not limited to, documentation status), veteran status, or any other personal characteristics.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, a writing sample, and a list of three references (letters will be requested at a later stage). The cover letter must address : (1) research interests, (2) teaching interests and experience, and (3) experience with or plans to engage with stakeholders outside of academia, such as community organizations or policy makers. Review of applications will begin by February 6th, but the application portal will remain open until the position is filled. Questions about the application process may be directed to Kareem Bahgat ( kab659@pitt.edu ). Questions about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jeremy Weber ( j.weber@pitt.edu ).

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability / vets.