Assistant Professor of Political Science

Illinois State University; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Tuition waiver for staff and dependets

Job summary

Illinois State University’s Department of Politics and Government invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Political Science, beginning August 16, 2027. Specialize in American Politics and teach undergraduate research methods, with a nine‑hour per semester load and potential summer teaching.

Expect scholarly research, teaching excellence, and service. The department offers majors in Political Science and Legal Studies, a master’s in political science, and a robust

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Political Science or closely related field required; ABD considered with completion before May 15, 2028.
• Specialize in American Politics with focus on behavior, institutions, or public policy.
• Ability to teach undergraduate research methods.
• English proficiency required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scholarly research and publishing.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses; six to nine credit hours per semester? (Nine credit hours per semester stated)
• Provide service within the department and university.
• Participate in tenure and promotion processes within the Politics and Government Department.

Skills

American Politics

Undergraduate teaching

Research & publication

Education

Ph.D. in Political Science

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor of Political Science Employee Classification: Asst Professor Division Name: Academic Affairs College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences Department: Politics and Government Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 16, 2027. Applicants for the position in the Department’s Political Science program should specialize in American Politics and be able to teach undergraduate research methods. Specializations within the American Politics subfield are open, but the department seeks candidates with expertise in some combination of political behavior (e.g., voting, public opinion, race and ethnic politics), institutions (e.g., presidency, legislatures, courts), and/or public policy. Responsibilities include scholarly research/publishing, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours per semester. The individual in this position is thus expected to teach 3 courses each semester for the Department of Politics and Government. The position is a nine-month, tenure track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the department of Politics and Government. A comprehensive benefits package is included. University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Additional Information

The Department of Politics and Government offers undergraduate majors in Political Science and in Legal Studies and a master’s degree in political science. We maintain 19 tenure/non-tenure track faculty members annually while serving roughly 425 majors, 120 minors, and 18 master’s degree students. We offer Political Science classes in American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Law, and Research Methodology. Legal Studies courses are geared to help students prepare for legal careers as attorneys and paralegals. Illinois State University: IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high‑achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride. Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Salary range is $72,828-80,000, depending on credentials and experience. Successful candidate will also have access to startup funds of up to $15,000 and travel support for participation in professional conferences.

Required Qualifications

• 1) A Ph.D. in Political Science or closely related field. Exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before May 15, 2028.
• 2) Specialize in American Politics; expertise in some combination of political behavior, institutions, and/or public policy.
• 3) Ability to teach undergraduate research methods.
• 4) Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

• 1) A letter of application that addresses interest, teaching experience and potential, and research activity and agenda
• 2) A current CV
• 3) Evidence of teaching experience and effectiveness
• 4) 3 letters of recommendation-letters should be directly sent to Angie Meiners at [e-mail]

Applications are considered incomplete until all items are uploaded and will not be reviewed until complete.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin October 9, 2026 and continue until filled. Application materials should be submitted by October 9, 2026, to ensure full consideration.

Contact Information for Applicants

If any applicant has questions about the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Michael Hendricks at [e-mail].

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at [phone].