About this role
Assistant Professor in American Politics
Position Description: The Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor in American Politics with a specialization in Judicial Politics to begin in Fall 2027 comment All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.c unit.
About the University: Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
About the College: Founded in 1925 as one of the university's four original colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences is comprised of 15 departments and one program, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has approximately 10,000 students enrolled representing more than a quarter of the overall Texas Tech University student population while maintaining a 22:1 student to faculty ratio.
About the Department/School/Area: The Department of Political Science is dedicated to excellence, aspiring to the highest national standards in teaching, research, and service. Our faculty have active research agendas and teaching responsibilities across the fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Administration. The department offers two B.A. degrees, in Political Science and Global Studies. As well as three graduate degrees, an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science and a Master’s of Public Administration.
Major/Essential Functions: In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service. As a faculty member in the Department of Political Science, from your duty-point in Lubbock, you will be expected to:
1.) contribute to the teaching mission of the department and providing in-person and online courses; teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses for the Political Science Department. The primary substantive focus of these classes will be in the area of Judicial Politics and Judicial Decision-making; 2.) develop a record of peer-reviewed research in Political Science, and/or other closely-related disciplinary academic outlets; apply for external funding; 3.)provide service to the department; mentor Political Science undergraduate and graduate students in the classroom and by serving on MA and PhD committees.
Faculty Qualifications: • A Ph.D. in political science, government, or a closely related discipline is required by September 1, 2027. • Ability to teach courses in American Politics, namely in the field of judicial politics (in-person and online) at both the graduate and undergraduate level. • Evidence of an active research agenda as evidenced by publications, works under review, works in progress, and/or grant activity.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. • Willingness and ability to teach courses in the legal studies program. • Ability to teach classes in the department’s American Politics and/or Methods sequence. • Record of published research in peer-reviewed political science or closely related disciplinary outlets.
Safety Information: Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include the following documents in your application:
• Curriculum Vitae • Cover Letter • Sample of scholarly writing • Research Statement (3-page maximum) • Teaching Statement (3-page maximum), sample syllabi, and, if applicable, evidence of teaching effectiveness. • List of references Questions about this position should be directed to Prof. Timothy Nokken, Search Committee Chair at [email protected]. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] or 806-742-3851.
Pay Statement: Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.