Visiting Assistant Professors and Fellows

A candidate must show promise that, after participation in the Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) program, he or she will attain a tenure-track position at a prominent research-focused university. The number of available positions varies from year to year. Consideration of candidates usually occurs in the spring and early summer. Appointments to the VAP program are not appointments to a tenure-track position. Any such appointment requires a separate and independent decision by the faculty, the Dean, and the University Provost and Board of Trustees.

Fiscal Year 2013 Applicants:
Applicants should send a letter expressing interest, current curriculum vitae, and statement of research accomplishments and plans to the Personnel Coordinator, Aimee Bothwell, by e-mail (preferred) a-bothwell@law.northwestern.edu. Letters of recommendation are not required, but will be accepted if submitted. Applications for the 2012-2013 academic year will be accepted through January 31, 2012.

Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP)
Functioning similarly to a post-doctoral program, the Visiting Assistant Professor Programs permit scholars to make progress on research and teaching prior to entering a tenure-track position. VAPs join the Northwestern Law faculty on a full-time basis for at least one semester and typically teach one course per semester while receiving research support. Each VAP is expected to present one or more research papers to the faculty in a workshop series. Upon completion of the program VAPs typically enter a entry-level tenure-track position.

VAP in Taxation
The VAP in Taxation is a two-year position. Applicants must have completed a JD and either an LLM in Taxation and/or substantial practical experience in tax law prior to beginning the program. Applicants with a JD and a PhD in economics, finance, or other related disciplines who have an interest in tax policy are also welcome. Applicants must have a strong interest in engaging in research on tax law and tax policy. The VAP in Taxation will teach two courses in the Law School's Tax Program, which is designed to provide students with both a firm foundation in the principal areas of tax law and deft facility in dealing with complex real-world transactions. The successful VAP candidate will join in the ongoing research of faculty associated with the Tax Program.