Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is pleased to invite applications for part time and/or fixed term Adjunct and Lecturer openings in several areas. These appointments may be made for one to three years, and are renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Adjunct appointments are made for a single semester. All appointments are renewable.

Minimum Qualifications

All candidates must have a relevant terminal degree.

An Adjunct classification is a non-tenured temporary academic appointment. An Adjunct Faculty must have the prerequisite academic teaching experience and credentials in the course subject area and discipline.

A Lecturer must demonstrate expertise and/or experience in a specific academic course subject, academic discipline area, and must have had prior substantive teaching experience and/or experience as a practicing professional at a senior level. A Sr. Lecturer must also have attained a significant level of scholarly and/or research activity and/or funding.

A Professor of Practice has obtained unique professional experience, has distinguished research, and/or has performed at an executive or officer level, and has made a significant impact within a subject matter or discipline in a field important to Rensselaer’s research and academic programs. A Professor of Practice is expected to have substantial leadership experience of at least (10-15 years) and generally a national or international reputation for excellence in their field of expertise.

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicants must be skilled communicators in multiple settings and methods, including teaching, presenting, writing, and electronic communications
Proficient in current electronic devices and personal computing technology

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: 

• Adjunct $6,000-8,000 per semester
• Performers and Musical Instructors : $55.00-$65.00 per hour
• Full Time Lecturer:  $56,000-$80,000  per academic year
• Full Time Sr. Lecturer  $61,000-$90,000  per academic year
• Full Time Professor of Practice should be $80,000-$96,000 per academic year

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.