Assistant Professor in Comparative Politics/International Relations

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. The successful candidate's research and teaching should focus on non-governmental organizations and civil society actors, with a particular emphasis on critical approaches to these areas, global humanitarian action, international crises, displacement, and post-conflict reconstruction. A geographical focus on the Middle East, North Africa, or the Mediterranean is required. The position involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, complementing existing departmental offerings, and potentially participating in the Fulbright College’s multidisciplinary Democracy as a Public Good cluster hire. This initiative aims to advance research on democratic culture and societal good through collaboration and knowledge generation. The role is in-person, requiring extensive engagement in teaching, office hours, advising, and committee meetings. The Department of Political Science has 22 full-time faculty members.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Political Science or a closely related field with specializations in comparative politics and/or international relations or in related fields from an accredited university 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 NGOs and civil society actors in the study of global humanitarian action, international crises, displacement and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Evidence of effective teaching (e.g., teaching evaluations, sample syllabi, teaching portfolio, awards, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate introductory courses.
• Regional focus on MENA or the Mediterranean.
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
• Completed applications received by October 10, 2026, will be assured full consideration.
• Must upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including teaching evaluations), unofficial graduate transcripts, one published single-authored writing sample, and names of three academic references.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to teach some combination of the following courses at the undergraduate or graduate level: International Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Actors, International Crises and Humanitarian Action, Transnational Networks.
• 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 NGOs, civil society actors, transnational networks, and global humanitarianism in the context of international crises, migration and displacement, and post-conflict reconstruction is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a broad student population.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external grant funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to active scholarly service and engagement.
• Demonstrated potential for national and international scholarly reputation.
• Ability to complement current course offerings of the Department of Political Science and of the Center for Middle East Studies by teaching courses on international non-governmental organizations, civil society actors, transnational networks, global humanitarian action, and reconstruction especially as they pertain to contemporary political developments in the MENA region and in the Mediterranean is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Comparative Politics or International Relations, with a focus on non-governmental organizations and civil society actors.
• Conduct research and engage in scholarly activities related to the specialization.
• Participate in academic service activities, including departmental, college, and university committees.
• Contribute to the Fulbright College’s multidisciplinary Democracy as a Public Good cluster hire.
• Engage in extensive in-person activities such as office hours, student advising, and committee meetings.
• Maintain collegial and harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• University contributions to health insurance
• University contributions to dental insurance
• University contributions to life insurance
• University contributions to disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• 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