Assistant Professor, Political Science

Penn State; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Political Science at University Park, PA. The role focuses on AI and politics, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in political methodology, including causal inference. Four courses are taught each year, onsite as an essential function, with research and service expected.

A Ph.D. in Political Science or related field is required by the appointment date.

Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science or related field required by start date.
• Research focus on AI and political science with potential for funding.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including causal inference.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses per academic year, onsite.
• Develop and mentor students at undergrad and grad levels.
• Conduct research and seek external funding.

Skills

AI & politics research

Teaching

Mentoring

Grant-writing

Education

PhD in Political Science or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Political Science at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The Department invites applications from scholars in any political science subfield whose research and teaching examine the intersection of artificial intelligence and politics and who can offer undergraduate and graduate courses in political methodology, including causal inference.

Relevant areas of research and teaching include, but are not limited to, the uses of AI by governments, politicians, or candidates; the effects of AI on political institutions, disinformation, public discourse, or political behavior; the regulation of AI technologies; the political economy or geopolitics of AI; the role of AI in political violence and its effects on democracy; or the development of social science methodologies related to artificial intelligence.

The Assistant Professor will have demonstrated ability as a researcher and a promising research agenda with a focus on artificial intelligence and political science. The candidate should show potential for excellence in instruction and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Promise for securing external research funding is also desirable.

This position will include resident and online teaching and normal university service. The teaching load during the academic year is four courses. Onsite teaching is an essential function of this job. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.

A Ph.D. in Political Science or related field is required by the appointment date.

QUALIFICATIONS

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an applicant is selected.

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State’s Job Posting Board, and should upload the following application materials electronically: a letter of interest, CV or resume, a writing sample, and a list of three references with contact information.

Inquiries may be directed to Paige McCarthy, Assistant to the Head of Political Science ([e-mail]).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
• (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

VALUES

• Integrity
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Discovery
• Excellence
• Community

FOOTER INFORMATION

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world.

Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission.

And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.

At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement.

Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.