Assistant Professor, American Politics

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is hiring two tenure-track Assistant Professors in American Politics to begin August 16, 2027. The hires aim to strengthen research and teaching in American political institutions and election administration.

Candidates focusing on Congress, the presidency, public policy, election administration, or state and local politics are encouraged; teaching quantitative methods is desired. The successful candidates will contribute to undergraduate offerings and the PhD program.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Political Science by start date.
• Submit a cover letter outlining qualifications, a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, a teaching statement and evidence of teaching ability, a research statement, and a writing sample.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses per semester for the first three years.
• Contribute to undergraduate offerings and to the PhD program.
• Collaborate with the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice and related initiatives.

Skills

Quantitative methods teaching

Education

PhD in Political Science

Job description

Overview

Assistant Professor, American Politics

The Department of Political Science at Auburn University seeks to hire two tenure-track Assistant Professors in American Politics to begin August 16, 2027. These hires are part of an effort to strengthen the department’s research and teaching in American political institutions and election administration. We welcome candidates whose research and teaching focus on one or more of the following areas: Congress, the presidency, public policy, election administration, and state and local politics. Candidates who can teach quantitative methods are desired. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the department’s undergraduate offerings, including its University Core, and to actively participate in the PhD program. We are especially interested in candidates whose work complements the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice and who would contribute to its growing research and practitioner community.

Auburn University is an R1 research institution, enrolling over 33,000 students. It is one of the nation's premier public land-grant institutions. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its beautiful campus. The Department of Political Science has 24 tenured or tenure-track faculty and includes undergraduate majors in political science, law and justice, public administration, and health services administration, masters’ degree programs in public administration and community planning, and a Ph.D. in public administration and public policy. The political science major is one of the largest in the College of Liberal Arts, consistently enrolling around 500 students.

Review of applications will begin September 28, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Direct questions to Spencer Goidel, American Politics Search Committee Chair, Department of Political Science, 7080 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849-5208. Email [e-mail].

Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Please see http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/ for more details.

Responsibilities

The standard teaching load is two courses per semester for at least the first three years of appointment.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include an earned doctorate in Political Science by the date the appointment is set to begin.

Candidates must submit a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, a teaching statement and evidence of teaching ability, a research statement, and a writing sample.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The candidate selected must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally during employment.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

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