Assistant Professor in Comparative Politics/International Relations (Populism)

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Political Science in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Comparative Politics or International Relations to start in August 2027 whose research and teaching focus on populism, political ideologies, and social movements. We particularly encourage candidates with research and teaching interests in critical approaches to social movements, democratic backsliding and critical human rights specifically as they relate to marginalized, immigrant, and diaspora communities. Geographical focus on Europe is required. The successful candidate is expected to offer undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise. Ability to complement current course offerings by teaching courses on populism, social movements, democratic institutions, and human rights especially as they pertain to contemporary political developments in Europe and beyond is desirable. The expected teaching load will be two courses a semester. This is an in-person position. Most university classes are offered face-to-face, and extensive in-person engagement in such activities as office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is essential to advancing student success and departmental effectiveness. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in Political Science or closely related field with specializations in comparative politics and/or international relations or in related fields from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by August 2027
• A record of successful research and published works (e.g., journal articles published in reputable outlets)
• A well-defined and coherent research agenda that critically analyzes populism and populist social movements or similar political ideologies
• Demonstrated evidence of effective teaching (e.g., teaching evaluations, sample syllabus, teaching portfolio, awards, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate introductory courses
• Demonstrated regional focus on Europe is required
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• A demonstrated ability to teach some combination of the following courses at the undergraduate or graduate level: Political Ideologies, Populism, Fascism, Social Movements, European Politics, Critical Human Rights, Democratic Institutions and Participation
• Experience with teaching introductory courses in Comparative Politics or/and International Relations
• An active and coherent research agenda that is well-grounded in theory, especially in critical and interdisciplinary approaches, and backed by strong analytical and interpretative skills
• A record of scholarly research published in high-tier outlets as well as promise of future publications in similar outlets
• Specialization in issues related to critical approaches to social movements, migration, diaspora communities or human rights
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students
• Demonstrated potential to secure external grant funding
• Demonstrated commitment to active scholarly service and engagement
• Demonstrated potential for a national and international scholarly reputation

Responsibilities

• 40% Teaching or Professional Performance
• 40% Research/Scholarly and/or Creative Activities
• 20% Academic Service Activities
• Offer undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise.
• Teach courses on populism, social movements, democratic institutions, and human rights especially as they pertain to contemporary political developments in Europe and beyond.
• Maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

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