Assistant or Associate Professor, Institutions, Organizations Policy

Faculty Position in Human Development and 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. Review of materials will begin on November 6, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials before that date.

The expected base pay range for this position is $,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.

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.