JOB TITLE Adjunct Faculty-Great Problems Seminar LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Integrative and Global Studies Department – JM DIVISION NAME Worcester Polytechnic Institute – WPI JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Global School is seeking adjunct faculty to advise project teams as part of WPI’s signature first-year Great Problems Seminar. Successful candidates will co-teach a first-year course focused on a thematic area related to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). These faculty positions are created to provide an available applicant pool for the program. Positions will be filled on an as needed basis. Start dates will vary by GPS course. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the program. Your application will remain in the pool until the posting closes. If you wish to be considered for positions beyond that date, then you must reapply. JOB DESCRIPTION The Great Problems Seminar (GPS) is a two-term course that immerses first-year students into university-level research and introduces them to the project-based curriculum at WPI. Instructors work with students exploring a global grand challenge (e.g., food security, houselessness, climate change) in a project-based classroom. Students work on project teams to tackle an issue that relates science, engineering, and technology to society. Instructors guide students through their project experience while also providing student wraparound support to help acclimate to college level academic and research. Instructors are asked to teach the theory and research methods behind exploring these different global challenges, create space for teamwork and co-ownership of the research process, and assist project teams to deliver a high-quality research project and theoretical solution. The experience culminates with a public poster session where students present their work to community members, within and outside of WPI. An ideal applicant will hold an advanced degree in a related discipline with relevant practical experience, in addition to successful undergraduate or graduate teaching experience. FLSA STATUS United States of America (Exempt) WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination. About WPI Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a vibrant and diverse community of extraordinary students, talented and dedicated staff, and world-renowned faculty. Along with its state-of-the-art research facilities, WPI offers competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs, including paid time off, health insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, and a working environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being. It is a community committed to civility and respect—making inclusion and belonging a reality for everyone on its campus.
