Assistant Professor of Political Science

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Gardner-Webb University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Political Science within the Department of Social Sciences at the main campus in Boiling Springs, NC, to begin Fall 2026. Duties include teaching both introductory and advanced courses in Political Science, mentoring undergraduate students, and conducting, presenting, and publishing research in the discipline.

Faculty members will be required to teach on campus, although some courses may be offered online.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in Political Science (ABD considered).
• Excellent undergraduate teaching and mentoring experience.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in pedagogy, research, and public engagement.
• Ability to conduct, present, and publish research in the discipline.
• Demonstrated commitment to Christian Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in Political Science.
• Provide guidance, advising, and mentorship to undergraduates.
• Attend departmental and university meetings.
• Assist in documentation, assessment, and best practices development.
• Participate in faculty committees and recruitment events.
• Develop an independent research program and publish in the discipline.
• Travel to attend conferences and meetings.
• Support the Department Chair and Program Coordinators as needed.

Skills

Teaching experience

Mentoring undergraduates

Research dissemination

Diversity and inclusion

Communication skills

Education

Terminal degree in Political Science

Job description

Gardner-Webb University (GWU) offers a vibrant academic environment. The close‑knit, and vibrant Boiling Springs, NC extends the feeling of family from campus to the community. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, our hometown gives you the freedom to focus on teaching, scholarship, and service, with easy access to big‑city benefits in nearby Charlotte, NC, Asheville, NC, and the Greenville‑Spartanburg, SC region. Gardner‑Webb University (gardner‑webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie‑classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner‑Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAADivision I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student‑athletes.

Gardner-Webb University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Political Science within the Department of Social Sciences at the main campus in Boiling Springs, NC, to begin Fall 2026. Duties include teaching both introductory and advanced courses in Political Science, mentoring undergraduate students, and conducting, presenting, and publishing research in the discipline. Faculty members will be required to teach on campus, although some courses may be offered online.

Essential Requirements

• The candidate must hold a terminal degree in Political Science. ABD candidates will be considered for the position.
• The candidate should have excellent undergraduate teaching and mentoring experience.
• The candidate must be willing to conduct, present, and publish research in the discipline area.
• The candidate should have a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion demonstrated through pedagogy, research, and/or public engagement.
• The candidate must present a track record that demonstrates exceptional organization, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal relations, and the ability to manage undergraduate programs effectively.
• The candidate must have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• The candidate must have a demonstrated commitment to Christian Higher Education.

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate must have a demonstrated commitment to community outreach and engagement, as is expected of faculty at GWU.

Responsibilities

• Teach at the undergraduate level, including introductory courses and advanced courses in Political Science.
• Provide guidance, advising, and mentorship to undergraduates in programs housed in the department.
• Attend monthly departmental, university meetings.
• Support the department in required documentation, assessment, and development of best practices.
• Participate in faculty committees and the business of the university as required.
• Participate in the recruitment of students through university-sponsored events.
• Develop an independent research program and publish within the discipline.
• Travel to attend conferences and meetings.
• Assist the Department Chair and other Program Coordinators/Directors, as needed.

Salary and benefits are competitive with institutions of similar size and purpose. Gardner-Webb University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religious affiliation, national origin, disability, or Veteran status.

Application Materials

1. Letter of Interest
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of quality teaching
4. Three letters of reference
5. Certified transcripts from the highest level of education attained

• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review.
• If hired, official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution (to Academic Affairs).