Assistant Teaching Professor, Political Science & Policy | Michigan Technological University at[...]

Michigan Technological University; Houghton (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor in Political Science or Public Policy. The successful candidate will develop and teach courses reflecting training and interests, with areas in American and/or international government, public policy, and quantitative methods.

Responsibilities include teaching a variety of undergraduate courses (3/4 teaching load), curriculum development, and contributing to department and university

Qualifications

• PhD required by August 2025.
• Experience teaching undergraduate courses with innovative teaching strategies.
• Commitment to promoting belonging and an equitable learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses for Political Science and Public Policy as per department needs.
• Participate in curriculum development and assessment.
• Contribute to department and university service activities.
• Integrate safety practices and continuous improvement in daily work.

Skills

Undergraduate teaching

Quantitative methods

Diversity and inclusion

Education

Ph.D. in Political Science or Public Policy

Job description

Assistant Teaching Professor, Political Science & Policy | Michigan Technological University
Location: Houghton, MI

Department

Social Sciences

Summary

The Department of Social Sciences at Michigan Technological University invites applications for the position of Assistant Teaching Professor in Political Science or Public Policy. Applicants must have a PhD in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related social science field. The successful candidate will develop and teach courses in political science and/or policy in subjects reflecting their training and interests and matching departmental needs. Desired areas include American and/or international government and politics, public policy, and quantitative methods. In addition to supporting the Department’s role in the university-wide Essential Education program, the candidate will contribute to new undergraduate programs in Policy & Community Development and Sustainability Science & Society, and may also contribute to graduate programs in Environmental & Energy Policy, Industrial Heritage and Archaeology, Sustainable Communities, and the graduate certificate in Public Policy. Applicants who are committed to promoting belonging and an equitable learning environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of undergraduate courses that meet the needs of the department’s majors and the University’s Essential Education program (typically a 3/4 teaching load).
• Participate in curriculum development and assessment.
• Contribute to Department and University service activities.
• Integrate safety practices into daily activities and commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related Social Science field required by the start date of August 2025.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching, including experience teaching, incorporating innovative teaching strategies, technologies, or high‑impact practices (HIPs), and/or fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Demonstrated success in developing undergraduate curriculum.
• Relevant professional experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to teach foundational disciplinary courses in political science, public policy, or related Social Science fields.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Mentoring or advising undergraduate students.
• Teaching quantitative research methods.
• Ongoing scholarly contributions in research and/or pedagogy.
• Active participation in scholarly organizations.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906‑487‑2280 or [e-mail].

Job Performance Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.