Assistant or Associate Professor, Institutions, Organizations, & Policy

Department: Education & Social Policy

The Human Development and Social Policy (HDSP) program at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) invites applications for a faculty position (assistant or associate level) whose work advances understanding of institutions, organizations, and social policy as these multi-level dynamics of emergence, implementation, persistence and change shape human development and well-being across the lifespan.

SESP is an interdisciplinary school focused on understanding teaching, learning, development, and policy throughout systems and across the lifespan. The successful candidate will maintain a rigorous research program on organizational and institutional dynamics related to social policy and the relationship between and among these dynamics to human development. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work engages one or more of the following:

• Policy design, emergence, implementation, or institutionalization, and their effects on individuals, families, communities, professions, or societal sectors.
• Organizational dynamics within and among sectors that shape human development and well-being across the life-span, such as schools and education systems, human service organizations and related systems, housing, or other societal domains
• How organizations and institutions shape social and structural influences on health, education, and human development.
• How interpersonal, social, or organizational networks emerge, shape and/or influence individual and organizational outcomes within social or policy relevant geographies or domains.

We welcome applicants trained in sociology, economics, history, political science, social policy, organizational behavior, education, and related disciplines who bring theoretical and empirical depth to these issues. Successful candidates will be expected to teach and advise both undergraduate and graduate students in broad survey courses related to organizations, institutions, and social policy. Applicants with expertise in quantitative, computational, and/or qualitative approaches are welcome and we are especially interested in scholars with expertise in social network analysis, mixed methods, and comparative approaches.

Applicants should submit via the online system, a letter outlining their research program and teaching experience, a current CV, representative papers, and three contacts for letters of reference. Letters can be addressed to James Spillane, Search Committee Chair. Questions can be directed to Jigbie Aguirre jigbie.aguirre@northwestern.edu.

Review of materials will begin on November 6, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials before that date. For more information about the School of Education and Social Policy, please visit http://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/.

The expected base pay range for this position is $117,500-160,000

This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Research discretionary funding will also be provided. Summer salary, including from sponsored projects, may also be available.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
• Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.