Assistant Prof. of Political Science and Director of the Pre-Law Program

University of Detroit Mercy • Detroit, MI

20d

About The Position

The Department of Political Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Political Science, with specialization in Legal Studies or Judicial Politics, to begin August 2026.

The Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law program are vibrant with engaged faculty committed to offering innovative courses and programming for our growing student population that is fervent and eager to learn. The Department of Political Science is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational excellence, to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context, and a commitment to community engagement. The Department of Political Science is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the University community and curriculum.

The department seeks candidates to teach courses in Legal Studies and Judicial Studies broadly construed. Teaching assignments may include the following areas: Supreme Court, American Political Institutions, Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Torts, Law and Culture, Arbitration and Mediation/Alternative Dispute Settlement, and Law and Society. Candidates should be prepared to teach various Political Science courses in addition to topics in their area of specialization. The teaching load is 18 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year for faculty with an active research agenda. The successful candidate will assume directorship of the Pre-Law Program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and student advising. The candidate will be expected to engage in research and scholarship related to political science, legal or judicial studies, and to provide service to the department and its pre-law program, and to the College and University.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Political Science. Advanced ABDs will be considered but must have their Ph.D. in Political Science completed within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching (teaching evaluations) and a commitment to experiential learning.
• Evidence of active engagement with research and scholarship demonstrated by presentations at conferences, publications, moot court participation, or membership in professional organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with a Ph.D. in Political Science who also have a JD are preferred and encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with experience in directing a pre-law program, or other demonstrated service or leadership are preferred.
• A track record of research achievement including a current research plan in Political Science, Legal Studies or Judicial Studies is preferred.
• We are especially interested in applicants dedicated to excellence in both teaching and research in a liberal arts setting.
• Strong candidates will have a record of experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching diverse students.

Responsibilities

• Teaching core courses in our Legal Studies program and in the Political Science curriculum with a focus on political institutions and the judiciary, as well as other courses in the department related to the qualifications of the position holder, advising, curriculum and program development.
• Normal teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester on a nine-month appointment with supplemental summer teaching appointments often available.
• All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical -
• Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Dental -
• UDM’s School of Dentistry, discounted to you and your dependents
• Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
• Vision -
• UDM’s School of Optometry, discounted to you and your dependents
• Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program -
• Provided to everyone in your household
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D -
• One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children.
• Retirement Plan -
• UDM provides matches up to 8%

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree