Assistant Professor of Political Science

Position Type: Regular

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $85,947 to $95,410, depending on the successful candidate's years of teaching experience at the college-level. The position comes with generous benefits ), including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and university contributions toward retirement. Recognizing the high cost of housing in the local area, there are two University housing assistance programs: Rental assistance to ease the transition into the local housing market, and housing purchase assistance for tenure-stream faculty. For details, go to

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PURPOSE:

The Department of Political Science at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, seeks applicants for a tenure-track assistant professor position in American Politics, with an emphasis on Law and Courts.

We seek a teacher-scholar with demonstrated commitment to, and excellence in, undergraduate teaching and scholarly achievement. Candidates from all subfields and methodological approaches whose research and teaching contribute to the empirical study of law and courts are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates whose research and teaching focus on judicial behavior, constitutional law, race and the law, law and policy, or immigration law.

SCU is on the quarter system and a typical load for tenure-stream faculty is two courses per quarter, assuming engagement in an active scholarship program. The successful candidate will teach (a) Introduction to U.S. Politics, (b) upper-division courses in constitutional law and judicial politics and their area of specialty, and (c) qualitative or quantitative research methods. The ability to develop and teach courses on Race and the Law, Law and Policy, or Immigration Law will be considered a plus.

Santa Clara University's College of Arts & Sciences is currently conducting its third cluster- hire in the area of Inequality & Social Justice. If applicable, this position will be included in the Fall 2025 cohort. Cluster hire participants will receive mentorship and have the opportunity to participate in regular group meetings providing peer support and interdisciplinary intellectual community to support their scholarly and creative work.

Our department is committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We encourage applications from members of historically excluded groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. Over the last decade, Santa Clara University has recruited an increasingly diverse faculty, enrolled more diverse and low-income students, and committed to becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution. Please see for more information about our programs, faculty, staff, and students.

The position will begin on September 1, 2025.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

1) PhD in Political Science or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.

2) A clear research trajectory.

3) Evidence of excellence in teaching.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1) A record of publication.

2) Specialization in race and the law, law and policy, or immigration law.

3) Teaching and research interests that will contribute to the Department's pre-law and public-sector studies emphases (See SCU Undergraduate Bulletin ).

4) Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that advance SCU's goals of diversity and equity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tenure track faculty at SCU are teaching scholars who are expected to balance teaching, research and service. This is an in-person position. More specifically, duties include but are not limited to:

Teaching

1) Teach lower- and upper-division courses in the major and in the university Core Curriculum, as assigned by the chair, including an introductory course in US politics; upper-division courses in their area of specialty; and qualitative or quantitative methods.

2) Teaching responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively.

b) Assigning and evaluating written work, projects, and exams that align with course or core learning objectives and providing timely feedback to students.

c) Holding weekly office hours at times reasonably convenient to students.

d) Assigning and submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate, and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline.

e) Administering numerical and narrative evaluations in each section for all courses.

3) Develop and teach courses that contribute to ongoing curriculum development in the relevant degree program and/or the university core. Faculty teaching university core courses should follow an approved syllabus or work with the chair to design an appropriate syllabus for submission for approval from the relevant Faculty Core Curriculum Committee.

4) Participate in assessment of student learning for courses in the department.

5) Provide informed advice and mentoring to undergraduate students.

6) Fulfill other instructional or academic duties as may be assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or by the chair of the Political Science Department.

Research

1) Develop and sustain a research program at SCU that will result in peer-reviewed publications, monographs, and/or creative work per the department scholarship standards.

2) Preference will be given to candidates with a research program that can accommodate participation of undergraduates.

Service

Provide effective service to the Department, the College, the University and profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed by virtue of professional expertise or association with the university, as appropriate to rank and experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

For full consideration, applications should be received by September 2, 2024. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the "Apply" button on the SCU job posting ), please submit the following materials through the hiring portal:

1) A cover letter addressing teaching and research interests, your teaching philosophy, and your experience or interest in working with people of diverse cultures and identities

2) CV

3) Sample syllabi and teaching evaluations

4) A writing sample of no more than 40 pages

5) Unofficial graduate transcripts

6) Three confidential letters of recommendation must be emailed directly to the department manager, Ms. Pam Doherty, at , by either the recommenders or a dossier service.

HIRING RANGE:

Competitive salary and benefits; housing assistance available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Inquiries about this position can be emailed to the department chair, Dr. Elsa Chen, at .

Work Authorization:

A foreign national who is appointed to a tenured or tenure-track faculty position is eligible for visa sponsorship assessment by Santa Clara University together with its legal counsel.

EEO Statement: ?

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. The Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is Jenna Elliott, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, , , . Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources , and and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at or by email at

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

COVID-19 Statement

The health and safety of the University community is a top priority. The University strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as the vaccination and boosters are safe, effective tools that significantly minimize the chances of serious illness and hospitalization. Please contact Human Resources if you have any questions.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.