Assistant Teaching Professor in Political Science

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor in Political Science

Appointment Type:

Faculty

Job Description:

The Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a term faculty member at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor to teach in our Law, Justice, and Politics career path and help prepare and mentor pre-law students in the major.

Initial appointment length is three years, starting August 16, 2027. An earlier start date of January 1, 2027 will also be considered. Renewal parameters are determined by performance and department need.

This position involves a courseload of 6 courses per year, which translates to 75% FTE. The successful candidate will be expected to teach three courses in the fall and three courses in the spring each year.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or closely related disciplines 

• Minimum of three years of higher education teaching experience in Law, Justice, and Politics or close related disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in political science or closely related field.

• Demonstrated ability to teach classes in the Department’s Law, Justice and Politics track, including US Constitutional Law. 

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and mentor pre-law students for law school.

• Demonstrated ability to teach across American politics and political theory subfields.

• Evidence of teaching excellence.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Political Science has 19 Tenure-Track and Term faculty, a vibrant MA program which serves over 20 students, and an undergraduate major with over 200 majors. 

Department Unit/Website:

https://pols.iastate.edu

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2027

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 15, 2030

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Part time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter and Contact Information for Three References (uploaded as one pdf)

3) Teaching Statement

4) Sample syllabi (no more than 3)

5) Student Rating of Teaching scores for classes taught

For guaranteed consideration, please apply before September 1, 2026. Position is open until filled.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

May 26, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R19287

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.