Professor of Comparative Politics, Open Rank

Sacbar; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental College invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Comparative Politics with a specialization in East Asian Politics, to begin August 16, 2027.

The Politics Department seeks a scholar who will teach an Introductory Comparative Politics course, a course in East Asian Politics, and other courses across levels in their specialty. The hire will mentor students, participate in Summer Research, and contribute to core college initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science with emphasis in Comparative East Asian Politics or related field; must hold PhD by Aug 16, 2027.
• Committed undergraduate teaching excellence in a small liberal arts environment.
• Commitment to equitable learning opportunities and inclusive pedagogies for a diverse student body.

Responsibilities

• Teach Introduction to Comparative Politics and East Asian Politics (comparative or country-specific).
• Offer courses at multiple levels in area of specialization and required courses rotating among faculty (e.g., Quantitative Research Methods, Senior Comprehensives).
• Engage with the city and communities of Los Angeles, mentor undergraduate researchers, participate in First-Year Seminar, and contribute to department and college service.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Inclusive pedagogy

Curriculum development

Research planning

Education

PhD in Political Science

Job description

The Department of Politics at Occidental College invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Comparative Politics with a specialization in East Asian Politics, with appointment to begin August 16, 2027.

The Politics Department is searching for a specialist in Comparative East Asian Politics who will offer an Introductory Comparative Politics course, a course in East Asian Politics (either comparative or country-specific), as well as other courses at multiple levels in their area(s) of specialization. In addition, the new hire will teach required courses that rotate among members of the department (such as Quantitative Research Methods and Senior Comprehensives). We are particularly interested in courses that would meet Core requirements and that would engage with the city and communities of Los Angeles. As necessary, the new hire will contribute to the First-Year Seminar program, which focuses on writing and community-engagement, and the new hire will have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate researchers in Oxy’s renowned Summer Research Program. The new hire will have an active research agenda, producing scholarship that is commensurate with the requirements associated with the level of appointment. Finally, the new hire will participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, and serve on broader college-wide committees.

The Politics Department is committed to providing students a program that combines academic rigor and curricular innovation with hands-on experience. Our students study political systems across cultures, evaluate real-world policy challenges, and take part in multiple experiential learning and research opportunities. Our faculty are committed teacher-scholars who bring critical inquiry and discovery into the classroom. They establish themselves as exceptional researchers and practitioners in their fields. They also provide departmental and college-wide service, as well as service to their profession. As a small institution with a commitment to shared governance, faculty across the College collaborate in maintaining the excellence of the College’s academic program.

Located within the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Occidental is committed to a community-engaged curriculum—faculty-designed fieldwork, visits to local museums and cultural organizations, and long-standing partnerships into their courses. Occidental is also committed to undergraduate research, regularly mentoring students in Occidental’s hallmark summer research program. For decades, Occidental has been a leader in creating access for a diverse student body. That diversity enriches the education of all students. We seek an innovative teacher, scholar, mentor, and colleague who wishes to work in such an environment and who shares the commitments articulated in the mission of the College.

EXPECTED SALARY RANGE (for Academic Year, Nine-month Appointment):

If hired at Assistant rank: $87,000 - $94,000
If hired at Associate rank: $103,000 - $116,000
If hired at Full rank: $120,000 - $145,000

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science with an emphasis in Comparative East Asian Politics or a related field. Applicants must hold PhD by the position start date, August 16, 2027
• Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching in a small liberal arts college environment
• Record of/commitment to creating equitable learning opportunities and inclusive pedagogies for a diverse student body, especially for minoritized students
• Ability to teach Introduction to Comparative Politics, courses on East Asian Politics, a Quantitative Research Methods course, and a Senior Comprehensives course
• A strong record of scholarly accomplishments appropriate to the level of appointment
• Ability to develop an active and sophisticated research agenda with potential for growth
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the College

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to teach community-engaged or practice-based courses
• Willingness and ability to mentor undergraduate research
• Experience in or commitment to departmental leadership and management responsibilities (e.g., curricular development, annual assessment, long-term departmental planning, etc.)