Assistant Professor in Economics at Montclair State University – United States

Summary

Montclair State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Economics, specifically an Applied Empirical Economist, to join its Economics Department. The successful candidate will conduct rigorous, data-driven research informing public policy, with a focus on the impact of AI and emerging technologies on areas like community development, healthcare, and affordable housing. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, establishing an externally funded research program, and departmental service. Applicants must hold a doctorate or terminal degree, demonstrate research potential, teaching excellence, and commitment to service. The position offers an annual salary between $112,451.79 and $124,505.29, with comprehensive benefits. The application review begins immediately, and the position is open until filled. The starting date is August 27, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Economics Department
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Economics
Research Area	Applied Empirical Economics, Public Policy, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Community Development, Health Care, Affordable Housing
Degree Required	Earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree
Experience	Record of achievement and potential for future success in research, scholarship or creative activity; Demonstrated excellence in teaching all students; A record that demonstrates interest and commitment to service.
Salary	$112,451.79 – $124,505.29 Annually
Funding	competitive grants and contracts from federal agencies, foundations, and other funding organizations
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Research statement, Teaching statement, Representative publications, 3 letters of recommendation (if shortlisted)
Employer Address	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey, United States

About the Project

The research project focuses on investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming public policy. Specific attention should be given to their impact on critical areas such as community development, health care, and affordable housing. The successful candidate is expected to leverage innovative analytical tools and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex policy challenges and conduct high-impact research that contributes to evidence-based policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous, data-driven research that informs public policy and decision-making.
• Investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming public policy, with particular attention to their impact on community development, health care, and affordable housing.
• Leverage innovative analytical tools and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex policy challenges.
• Establish a strong, externally funded research program by securing competitive grants and contracts.
• Build collaborative partnerships across disciplines and with community, government, and industry stakeholders.
• Provide classroom instruction for 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) a semester (standard annual load).
• Mentor and advise students.
• Develop and update courses and curricula aligned with student demands and institutional strategic priorities.
• Pursue scholarly research leading to publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
• Increase the visibility of the economics department by developing relationships with external stakeholders.
• Serve on department, school, and university-level committees.
• Participate in curriculum review and development activities.

Required Skills

• Expertise in conducting rigorous, data-driven research.
• Ability to inform public policy and decision-making through research.
• Interest in leveraging innovative analytical tools and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Potential to establish a strong, externally funded research program.
• Potential to build collaborative partnerships across disciplines and with stakeholders.
• Excellence in teaching all students.
• Ability to center student success and measurable learning outcomes through clear course design, inclusive pedagogies, and integration of emerging disciplinary and pedagogical developments.
• Productive scholarship or artistic work embodying formal inquiry or creative expression.
• Ability to share research results in significant national and/or international scholarly or artistic venues.
• Interest and commitment to service to the department, college/school, university, and professional communities.

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for an Applied Empirical Economist with a strong background in data-driven research and an interest in public policy, particularly concerning the societal impacts of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Candidates should be committed to securing external funding for their research, collaborating across disciplines, and engaging with community, government, and industry stakeholders. Strong teaching skills at both undergraduate and graduate levels are essential, as is a commitment to university service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance (eligibility may apply).
• Up to 6 TCH of reassigned time per academic year for research-active faculty through the Faculty Scholarship Program (FSP).
• Additional TCH reassigned time (course release) for faculty with additional responsibilities such as mentoring doctoral faculty or administering programs.

About the Employer

Montclair State University, established in 1908, is an R2 research institution ranked among the top 100 public doctoral universities in the nation. It serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with over 300 programs across 13 colleges and schools. Located 12 miles from New York City on a 252-acre campus, it offers extensive instructional and research resources while maintaining a supportive, community-like academic environment. The Feliciano School of Business, accredited by AACSB International, aims to develop business leaders through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and industry engagement, supported by world-class faculty, diverse students, and strong corporate partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary research focus for this position?

The primary research focus is on investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming public policy, with particular attention to their impact on community development, health care, and affordable housing.

What is the expected teaching load for this position?

The standard annual teaching load for tenure-track faculty is 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) a semester, with additional TCH reassigned time available for faculty with additional responsibilities.

What are the required qualifications for applicants?

Applicants must have an earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree, a record of achievement and potential for future success in research, demonstrated excellence in teaching, and a record demonstrating interest and commitment to service.

What documents are required for the application?

Required materials include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and representative publications. Shortlisted candidates will also be asked to supply 3 letters of recommendation.

What is the starting date for this position?

The starting date for the position is August 27, 2027.