The Departments of Economics and Health Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning September 1, 2026. We encourage candidates in health economics, with interests in public health or health studies with a vibrant research and teaching profile to apply. We are specifically seeking a candidate whose work bridges the fields of economics and health (such as research related to cost effectiveness of public health programs, the economic impact of disease, etc.).
Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will have the following qualifications:
● A PhD or an anticipated PhD completion by August 2026.
● A strong research record, including publications in peer-reviewed journals or demonstrated success in or potential for obtaining external funding.
● A record of interdisciplinary collaborations, especially between economics and the health fields.
● Motivation and ability to achieve excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate level.
● Willingness to help meet the needs of our growing departments through service, student advising, and working with other faculty members as a team.
Duties
● Maintain a strong, externally-funded research program in health economics that includes undergraduate and graduate students.
● Teach undergraduate and graduate level economics and health studies classes (in health economics and other topical areas) to serve as part of the general curriculum for majors and non-majors
● Serve on department, college and university activities and service.
American University is a private institution with a diverse student and faculty population in a dynamic metropolitan area. Our campus is within easy reach of the many health science centers located in and around the nation’s capital, including HHS, NSF, NIH and many other federally funded labs and research centers. Our departments pride ourselves on our student-centered approach to mentorship and teaching for all students interested in economics and health studies. The Economics Department offers BA and BS undergraduate, MS graduate and PhD degrees in Economics. The Health Studies Department offers a BS in Health Promotion and CEPHaccredited BA and BS undergraduate degrees in Public Health, an MA in Public Health Innovation & Practice and MS graduate degrees in Health Promotion Management, and Nutrition Education. We welcome applications that demonstrate interest in collaboration with existing faculty and local institutions, including interdisciplinary collaborations in adjacent fields.
The salary range at the Assistant Professor rank is $100,000-115,000. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Please submit applications via:https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-Campus-Washington-DC/Assistant-Professor--Joint-Appointment-in-Departments-of-Economics-and-Health-Studies_R3203.
Include a cover letter of application (up to 2 pages) which explains your career trajectory, a job market paper, a curriculum vitae, a research statement laying out experience with and trajectory of research in both economics and health (up to 2 pages), and a teaching statement (up to 2 pages). Please arrange three letters of recommendation to be directly submitted through the job application portal after the candidate submits the application. Workday will prompt the applicant to provide contact information for their letter writers. Please contact our co-chairs: Thomas Husted, Economics (husted@american.edu) or Stacey Snelling, Health Studies (stacey@american.edu) if you have any questions.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
To apply, visit https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-Campus-Washington-DC/Assistant-Professor--Joint-Appointment-in-Departments-of-Economics-and-Health-Studies_R3203. (See posting for details.)