Assistant Professor, U.S. Politics & Political Institutions

Job Description

Department of Political Science invites applications for a tenure‑track position of assistant professor in U.S. politics and political institutions. Strong candidates should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: U.S. national and subnational institutions, judicial politics, U.S. and/or state constitutional law, law and courts, civil rights, and related fields. Candidates with additional specializations in historical institutionalism, voting rights, and jurisprudence—including critical legal studies—are also encouraged to apply.

Teaching responsibilities will include four courses per year, featuring undergraduate courses on U.S. political institutions, constitutional law, judicial process, and additional courses within the candidate’s specialization. Faculty may also be expected to advise pre‑law students across the university.

Screening of applications will begin September 21, 2026. Please submit the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Recent writing sample
• Teaching evaluations or portfolio
• A list of three references (names, addresses, phone numbers, and email contacts)

Please direct questions to Dr. Nicholas Goedert, Search Committee Chair, Department of Political Science, Major Williams Hall (0130), Blacksburg, VA 24061. Phone: (540) 231‑7665, email: ngoedert.

• Earned doctorate in government or political science at the time of application or degree in hand by hire date, August 2027.
• An active research agenda with strengths in U.S. political institutions and one or more of the fields listed above.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate and graduate teaching to meet the department’s key teaching needs in its B.A. and M.A. programs.

• Broad training and skills in a variety of theoretical, analytical, and methodological approaches; ability to work with undergraduate and graduate students at the master’s and doctoral levels in political science and related fields.
• Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

• Compensation:
  Commensurate with experience; range $72,000 to $82,000.
• Appointment type:
  Regular.
• Overtime status:
  Exempt (not eligible for overtime).
• Review date:
  September 21, 2026.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kim Hedge at khedge during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.