Posted: Oct 2, 2025

Assistant Professor - Public Policy

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Salary: Monthly

Application Deadline: Nov 3, 2025

The Department of Public Policy in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with a July 1, 2026 start date. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Public Policy or a related social science discipline (e.g., political science, economics, etc.) by the time of appointment.  

The department is looking for individuals who conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research on topics related to environmental policy, economic development, or poverty. Applicants must be well prepared to teach core classes in public policy at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Strong potential for outstanding university teaching, research excellence, a desire to train and work with a diverse body of students, and a capacity to contribute productively to an active multidisciplinary department, are necessary for consideration.

The Department of Public Policy at UNC is an interdisciplinary social science major that confers the B.A., MPP, and Ph.D. degree (http://publicpolicy.unc.edu/). The core curriculum includes training in multiple disciplinary fields, including economics, political science, policy analysis, philosophy, research methods and statistics. Our dynamic faculty are award-winning researchers and teachers with domestic and global policy interests. We emphasize student-focused learning and real-world impact while pursuing innovative research and service in the public interest.  

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

To apply for the position, complete an online application at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307190. Your application should include: a cover letter that describes your policy-relevant research and teaching interests, articulates your rationale for seeking a position in an interdisciplinary unit, and explains how your expertise aligns with the requirements described above.