Recruitment Plan
I. RECRUITMENT PLAN Posting Number: F002579 Academic Title: Assistant Professor of Political Science Rank: Assistant Professor Administrative Title: Discipline: Social Sciences Specialty: Contract Type: Non-Tenure Track Renewable Appointment: Initial Appointment Period - 08012026-5312029
Required Licenses, Certifications, and other Specific Requirements Criminal History Screening Education Degree Certifications Verification Social Security Number Trace and Sex Offender Registry Search Proposed Start Date: 08012026 Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Position Description Summary The Department of Political Science invites applications for a three-year non-tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor to direct the freshman program called "Politics and Values." "Politics and Values" is a highly selective Living Learning Community in which about 25 students live and take courses together on the nearby Mount Vernon Campus in Washington D.C. The director is responsible for administering the program, teaching a two-semester course each semester (six credits), recruiting students, and organizing and leading social events. This appointment could begin as early as Fall 2026 and is pending final budgetary approval.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities The core courses fulfill the requirement for introductory courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Topics might include the philosophical ideas that influenced the founding of the United States, theoretical debates within democratization, development, and poverty. Due to the high quality of program participants, the coursework traditionally has focused on historically important philosophical and political texts and has a special focus on active learning activities. A successful candidate is expected to keep current in their area of expertise and encouraged to engage in scholarship and research, but scholarship and research are not expected under this appointment and will not be considered for purposes of evaluation for reappointment and/or promotion. In addition, the applicant will teach an additional course to be determined in consultation with the chair of the political science department.
Minimum Qualifications Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or Doctoral degree in Political Science or a related field by date of appointment. ABD applicants will be considered but must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. or Doctoral degree by date of appointment. Although the primary subfield of expertise within political science is open, the position requires an ability to teach classes that address issues related to the fundamental values underlying politics and an ability to teach within a program that spans the traditional political science subfields as evidenced by completed coursework and research.
Advertised Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Benefits The successful applicant will be eligible for GWs employee benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement. A full explanation of those benefits is available at http://shr.gwu.edu/benefits
Other Information The university and department have a strong commitment to recruiting faculty of the highest caliber who have thrived in different environments and would enrich the university with different experiences and perspectives.
Special Instructions to Applicants To apply, please complete an online faculty application at https://www.gwu.jobspostings123864 and upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interest, statement of research interest (optional), summaries of teaching evaluations (if available), and samples of written work (optional). In addition, please instruct three academic references to send letters of recommendation directly to pscjobs_apgwu.edu.
Review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.
Department Link: http://politicalscience.columbian.gwu.edu Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled
Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Quick Link: https://www.gwu.jobspostings123864
Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Statement of Teaching Interest (optional) Statement of Research Interest (optional) Sample Publications Course Evaluations or Summaries
Posting Specific Questions
Do you currently hold a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in political science or a related field or will you have completed all of the degree requirements for a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in political science or a related field by date of appointment? Yes No
Do you have the ability to teach classes that address issues related to the fundamental values underlying politics? Yes No
Do you have the ability to teach within a program that spans the traditional political science subfields as evidenced by completed coursework and research? Yes No
Are you engaged in research or scholarship that supports your ability to teach effectively in your field of expertise? Yes No