Assistant Professor- Political Science (Political Theory)

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Political Science with a specialization in Political Theory. The successful candidate will teach Western Political Theory and upper-level Political Theory courses, with a 3-2 teaching load and opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary minors. Appointment begins August 2027.

Ph.D. or ABD near completion required; candidates should demonstrate excellence in teaching and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or near completion (ABD) required or anticipated by start date.
• Excellence in teaching and research is essential.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming scholarly environment and inclusive pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Teach an introductory Western Political Theory course and upper-level Political Theory courses.
• Contribute to cross-disciplinary minors and collaborative programs.

Skills

Teaching

Political Theory

Research

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or ABD

Job description

Working Title: Assistant Professor- Political Science (Political Theory)

State Role Title:N/A

Position Type:Instructional / Teaching Faculty

Position Status:Full-Time

FLSA Status:Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:College of Arts and Letters

Department: 100033 - Political Science Department

Pay Band:N/A

Pay Rate:Commensurate with Experience

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?No

Beginning Review Date:10/26/2026

About JMU

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision

To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are

Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information

The Department of Political Science at James Madison University invites applications for one tenure track assistant professor position in Political Science with a specialization in Political Theory.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach an introductory undergraduate course on Western Political Theory and upper-level undergraduate courses in Political Theory. The interest and ability to teach an upper-level class that investigates the intersection of political theory and law is desirable though not necessary, and we remain open to other course offerings in political theory. The standard teaching load is 3-2.

The department includes undergraduate majors in Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration and graduate programs in Political Science and Public Administration. Faculty in the department also support a wide range of collaborative and interdisciplinary minors, including but not limited to those in: African, African American, and Diaspora Studies; Asian Studies; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Humanitarian Affairs; Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies; Legal Studies; Medieval and Renaissance Studies; Middle Eastern Communities and Migrations; Modern European Studies; Political Communication; and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Qualifications

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or have ABD status with the degree near completion and should demonstrate excellence in teaching and research, as well as a commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive scholarly environment. The position will begin in August 2027.

Additional Posting Information

The College of Arts and Letters in which the Department of Political Science is located, enrolls over 3,100 undergraduate majors and about 150 graduate students across ten academic units in the humanities, social sciences, and communication studies. Home to several interdisciplinary centers and institutes, the College employs 270 full-time faculty. We embrace the teacher-scholar model, and encourage excellent applicants within our particular disciplines, as well as scholars and teachers eager to work across them. We look to enhance our existing interdisciplinary strengths and to extend our offerings in global cultures, politics, and religions, as well as in global justice, disability studies, legal studies, and digital humanities.

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.