Assistant or Associate Professor - Political Science

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Startup funds

Moving funds

Recruitment incentive funds

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Political Science invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level beginning fall 2027.

This cross-subfield role focuses on the future of global inequalities and welcomes work on technology, democracy and rights, Global South politics, Indigenous governance, climate and development, and intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender.

Qualifications

• Established program of original research with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
• Record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• 40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work, and 20% leadership and service.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring.

Skills

Teaching

Research

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Political Science

Job description

Requisition Number: 75362

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: Faculty

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Nov-2026

Date Posted: 12-Oct-2026

Job Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the area of the future of global inequalities, beginning in fall 2027. This thematic, cross-subfield position seeks a candidate whose research addresses inequality, broadly construed. We especially welcome applicants whose work engages topics such as technology, democracy and rights, Global South politics, Indigenous governance, climate and development, and the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender in political life. A successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring, have a strong methodological background, develop an innovative and externally fundable research agenda, and show willingness to collaborate with interdisciplinary initiatives and programs.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

CU Political Science department comprises roughly 30 full‑time faculty, over 1,000 undergraduate majors, about 50 Ph.D. students, and three full‑time staff members. We provide students with a rigorous education and conduct influential research in all subfields of the discipline.

For more information about our department, please visit our web site: https://www.colorado.edu/polisci/

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work, and 20% leadership and service

What You Should Know

• Candidates being considered for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank must meet University standards and unit criteria for tenure and promotion to the designated rank. These criteria generally include having an established and ongoing program of original research, a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding, and a record of high‑quality teaching and mentoring.
• The University of Colorado Boulder's campus has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

• $100,000-$105,000 for Assistant Rank, $128,000-$150,000 for Associate Rank
• Startup, moving, and recruitment incentive funds may be available to the successful candidate, subject to department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well‑being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. in Political Science or a related field is required. ABD candidates are welcome to apply, but the Ph.D. Degree must be conferred as of August 1, 2027.

What You Will Need

The successful candidate will have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach undergraduate and graduate courses on Comparative politics and methods. They will also have the ability to conduct high‑quality political science research that is publishable in professional peer‑reviewed outlets.