Assistant Professor of Political Science

The Department of Political Science is seeking a teacher-scholar for a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor specializing in the area of law and politics and as the Campus Pre-Law Advisor. As such, applicants for the position must be prepared to teach, but not limited to the following: Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, Civil Rights and Liberties, Judicial Politics, and Introduction to American Politics. In light of the expectation that faculty members conduct research leading to a record of publications, this position also affords the opportunity to develop and teach courses that connect with one’s research.

A commitment to advising, mentorship, and institutional service is also part of the ethos of the department. This position has special expectations in this regard. As Campus Pre-Law Advisor, the Assistant Professor advises any university student interested in potentially attending law school. The Fort Wayne metropolitan area has over 645,000 residents and is home to a large number of law firms and corporations that require counsel. This position is expected to continue established relationships with this legal community in the interest of the university and Pre-Law advisees. This department member will build on our award-winning advising, serving students and alumni from not only Political Science but also the university community at large.

The position has a 2/2 course load, as well as a course release to serve as Campus Pre-Law Advisor. The Department of Political Science is in the College of Liberal Arts, which has a considerably interdisciplinary curriculum and culture. The department will provide office space, a travel stipend and stipend for Campus Pre-Law advising, and faculty privileges to university services like institutional technology, Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and library system among others. As a comprehensive regional campus of a major university, the salary and benefits associated with the position are competitive. 

The Department faculty is methodologically diverse and a collegial and collaborative group of outstanding teachers, scholars, and mentors. We have multiple interdisciplinary connections with departments and programs such as History, Women’s Studies, Economics, and International Studies, and the director of Peace and Conflict Studies is a member of our department. Our student success has been recognized across campus and beyond, evidenced by our students’ placement in top-ten law and graduate programs, a Carnegie Junior Scholarship, multiple recent Fulbright student grants, and careers ranging from judges to magistrates to lawyers in all fields of the law, as well as professors, business and not-for-profit leaders, and NGO administrators.

Required: A Ph.D. in Political Science or related field (Ph.D./J.D. preferred) by the start of fall semester 2023.

The department is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including research, teaching and service/engagement. Candidates should address at lease on of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Application Process: Submit the following required materials: letter of interest, transcripts, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and advising philosophy, evidence of teaching and advising effectiveness, research statement, writing sample, and three professional letters of reference to https://careers.purdue.edu/FW/go/FW-Faculty/7720100/. All candidates invited for a campus interview are expected to do a 45-60 minute instructional student presentation. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, for highest consideration, apply by February 1, 2023.

PFW is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.  A check of criminal conviction records will be made for employment in this position. The position is contingent on available funding.