Assistant Professor, School of Information Sciences, University Library System

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor, School of Information Sciences, University Library System at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

Wayne State University is searching for forward-looking candidates for up to two positions at the Assistant Professor rank in the School of Information Sciences at its Detroit campus location, to begin in August 2027. These are full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track, academic-year (9-month) faculty positions.

Call for Applications:

Under new leadership, and with a new strategic plan underway, the School of Information Sciences (SIS) at Wayne State University invites applications for up to two tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level. We welcome applicants working across various fields including information science, library science, information management, data science, data curation, archives and related fields. We seek scholars whose work advances scholarly agendas in their given fields, complements our faculty’s strengths and extends our School’s expertise into cutting-edge areas. SIS particularly values candidates who conduct high-quality research, who deliver excellent instruction to students and who will continue to advance Wayne State's community engagement mission.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of the School of Information Sciences, successful candidates will conduct active research and teach in emerging, cross-disciplinary areas such as:

· Social/political/ethical issues with emerging technologies such as AI.
· Youth information/technology needs, uses, and behaviors.
· Digital asset management and data curation.
· Health information management and use.
· Community- and human-centered engagement with emerging technologies.

These areas are illustrative rather than exhaustive. Candidates whose research crosses disciplinary boundaries or brings complementary areas of expertise to the School are strongly encouraged to apply.

The School seeks candidates whose teaching and research can contribute across multiple curricular areas while expanding SIS expertise in new and emerging fields. We currently offer an MS in Information Science (MSIS), an ALA-accredited Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS), graduate certificates in Archival Administration and Children and Youth Services, the only Michigan School Library Media Endorsement in the state, and joint masters degrees in History and Public History. The MLIS degree at WSU has been accredited continuously by ALA since 1967 and was re-accredited in 2025; the Archival Administration graduate certificate program is celebrating its sixty-fifth anniversary. In addition, we are expanding into undergraduate education.

Candidates are expected to teach in an online asynchronous environment and may also be asked to teach in hybrid and/or in-person formats. Tenure-track and tenured SIS faculty typically teach a 2:2 course load and participate in academic advising and mentoring of SIS students.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires an earned doctorate in information science, library and information science, or relevant related field by the time of appointment; appropriate professional experience and demonstrated ability to carry out the range of professional faculty functions including conducting research, teaching students in the MSIS and MLIS programs, serving the School on committees and advising and mentoring students. Highly qualified candidates very near completion of the Ph.D. will receive consideration.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have exhibited the ability to produce scholarly research and publication in an appropriate field(s); strong potential for national visibility as a scholar; evidence of professional achievement in an appropriate field; and strong potential for visibility and leadership in the information professions.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research (R1) university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1868, Wayne State University has had a longstanding dedication to community engagement and as a result has achieved the Carnegie Foundation's community engagement designation in addition to the RI research designation.

Salary and Benefit Package:

Are competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Wayne State University offers medical, dental, vision, employee/dependent life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans with Fidelity, TIAA/CREF, tuition assistance for employee/dependent, and relocation assistance.

To apply:

Send a c.v. and cover letter indicating your interest and relevant research, teaching, and service. Position will remain open until filled, with preference given to applications submitted by November 20, 2026. If you use AI to assist/generate your application documents, please disclose your use.

School/College/Division:

H01 - University Libraries

Primary Department:

H0111 - School of Library & Information Sci

Employment Type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal faculty environment.

Job Openings:

Number of openings: 2
Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Assistant Professor, School of Information Sciences, University Library System