Political Science Lecturer

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking part‑time lecturers for the Department of Political Science. These positions are temporary and contingent upon course enrollment. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in political science or a related field and have teaching experience in higher education.

Lecturers are expected to teach courses, hold office hours, and participate in departmental meetings. The pay range is $12,000 - $15,000 per course, based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in political science or closely related field.
• Two years of teaching experience in a college or university.
• Must be capable of delivering high‑quality instruction to a diverse student body.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate students in assigned courses.
• Hold office hours to assist and advise students.
• Respond to student and department inquiries.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Knowledge of University teaching methodology

Education

Ph.D. in political science or related field

Job description

About the Job

The Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs lecturers to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate student instructors. These positions are temporary and part‑time.

This does not constitute a posting for vacancies. This search establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur during the 2026/27 academic year. Applicants will be selected from this pool on an as‑needed basis throughout the academic year.

This is a temporary, non‑tenured, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) position, paid on a per course basis. These appointments are arranged semester‑by‑semester and employment is contingent upon the course meeting its enrollment target.

Lecturers will be expected to teach undergraduate students in assigned course(s), hold office hours to assist and advise students, respond to student and department inquiries, turn in grades, attend required meetings, and turn in student evaluations. An in‑person review of teaching will be conducted during the course.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in political science or closely related field.
• Two years of teaching experience in a college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge of and/or experience in the University of Minnesota teaching methodology.
• Three or more years of teaching experience in a college or university.
• Must be capable of delivering high‑quality instruction to a diverse student body.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $12,000 - $15,000 / course; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.