Assistant Professor of Political Science

Position Overview

Matanuska‑Susitna College under the University of Alaska Anchorage College of Arts & Sciences invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Political Science. The successful candidate should be available to start August 9, 2026 for the upcoming academic year.

“Opportunities start here” is more than a slogan at Matanuska‑Susitna College (Mat‑Su College); it is our mission. Our aim is to transform student aspirations into realities. Matanuska‑Susitna College seeks applicants who possess a desire to help students succeed in reaching their goals.

Join us and help turn student aspirations into reality!

The primary function of the Political Science faculty member is teaching 100‑level Political Science courses to undergraduate college students. This position might also have the opportunity to occasionally teach upper‑division Political Science courses, and may also teach a class in a secondary Social Sciences teaching discipline. The remaining credits are typically allotted to service to the College, University, Profession, and/or Community.

The faculty workload is required to be updated annually and can consist of a different ratio of teaching & service equal to 30 units, as approved by the College Director.

Preparing students for a broad range of higher‑level courses in varying disciplines is a primary function of this position. Candidates should be able to effectively integrate technology into the classroom to support student learning and should be versed in face‑to‑face, hybrid, and distance delivery formats. The applicant should have the ability to encourage students to be actively engaged in the teaching/learning processes.

A demonstrated commitment to taking on the diverse tasks associated with being a productive member of a small faculty, such as committee memberships and community service, is essential to this position.

Experience to be beneficial includes two or more years teaching, including as a graduate teaching assistant with a preference of college‑level teaching in Political Science or closely related discipline; teaching with current technologies such as Blackboard or other LMS, audio and video components, interactive learning objects, lecture capture, & smartboards; and demonstrated success working with students with a broad range of political science experience.

An earned doctoral degree in Political Science or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university is required and must be completed by the employment start date in August of 2026.

This position is located on the Matanuska‑Susitna College campus in Palmer, Alaska. It is a full‑time, tenure‑track, 9‑month exempt/salaried faculty position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

Salary will be aligned with qualifications and experience.

A teaching demonstration will be part of the interview process for candidates advancing to the final stages of the search.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The University of Alaska is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process.