Assistant Professor of Political Science

The Department of Political Science invites applications for a three-year, non-tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor to direct 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 is 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.

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.

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.

The successful applicant will be eligible for GW's employee benefits including medical, dental, and retirement. A full explanation of those benefits is available at https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits

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.

To apply, please complete an online faculty application at https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/123864 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_ap@gwu.edu. Review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

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.