Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy

CU Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 185,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation subsidy

Competitive compensation package

Signing bonus and incentive pay may be available

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Benefits including 403(b), 457, 401(k) options

Eco Pass for the bus system

Job summary

CU Boulder invites applications for the position of Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy, starting August 2027. This role entails teaching, research, and fostering dialogue on conservative traditions. Applicants should have a Ph.D. and be committed to residing at CU Boulder during the appointment.

The salary ranges from $185,000 to $225,000, with added benefits including relocation subsidy and insurance plans. Applications received by September 15, 2026, will receive full consideration.

Qualifications

• Eminent in their field and engaged with conservative thought or policymaking.
• No current employment with another institution during the appointment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses and deliver public lectures.
• Conduct original research related to conservative thought.
• Foster open dialogue and study of intellectual traditions.

Education

Ph.D. at the time of appointment

Job description

The Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization (the Benson Center) and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder invite applications for the position of Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy. We seek a distinguished scholar or public intellectual who has made significant contributions to the understanding of the intellectual foundations, historical development, or practice of conservatism. The ideal candidate will be eminent in their field and engaged with the tradition of conservative thought, policymaking, or both. The term of the appointment is variable, ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of four semesters. The Visiting Scholar will have access to a private office in the Benson Center and is expected to be in residence at the University of Colorado Boulder to fulfill responsibilities relating to in‑person participation. The position begins August 2027.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The Visiting Scholar is expected to make contributions to the Center and CU Boulder by fostering open dialogue and rigorous study of the intellectual traditions related to conservatism and conservative thought. This may include, but is not limited to, the principles of constitutionalism, ordered liberty, and the cultural, political, and philosophical dimensions of Western Civilization. Specific duties include teaching undergraduate courses, delivering public lectures, conducting original research, and participating in the various activities of the Benson Center.

What You Should Know

• The successful candidate will receive an appointment, without tenure, in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• The candidate is expected to be in residence at the University of Colorado Boulder for the length of the appointment to fulfill in‑person responsibilities and duties.

What We Can Offer

• The salary for this 100% position is between $185,000 and $225,000, commensurate with experience.
• The compensation package is competitive, including relocation subsidy, dedicated budget, and administrative assistance.
• Signing bonus and incentive pay may be available, depending on the candidate's experience and the Center’s funding.
• Benefits are available including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as tax‑deferred annuity and optional savings plans, e.g., 403(b), 457, 401(k). An Eco Pass (for the bus system) will also be provided.

What We Require

• Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment.
• It is expected that candidates are not employed by another institution during their time serving as the Visiting Scholar in Conservative Thought and Policy.

Applications received by September 15, 2026 will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until filled, or May 31, 2027.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.