Assistant Professor, Political Science

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

2d • $52,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s Department of History, Social Sciences, and Philosophy seeks an Assistant Professor of Political Science. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in History and History with Teacher Licensure, along with minors across its disciplines, and contributes significantly to the university’s general education curriculum.

The position carries a teaching load of 24 student credit hours during the nine-month contract year. The successful candidate will teach American Government and other history courses, in person and online, according to their disciplinary expertise and departmental needs. They will also maintain an active scholarly research agenda that includes peer-reviewed publications and provide service to the department, college, and university. The position begins August 9, 2026, and reports to the Head of the Department.

The university describes its workplace as vibrant and supportive of work-life balance. Its benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance; tuition waivers for employees and their families; 12 official holidays; immediate leave accrual; and retirement program options with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary. Salary is $52,000–$55,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science from an accredited institution of higher education. A master’s degree in Political Science with a Ph.D. in a closely related field will also be considered; the Ph.D. must be conferred by the contract start date.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant disciplines.
• Good organizational skills and timely responses to student inquiries.
• Ability to respond to learners from varied educational backgrounds in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to deliver course outcomes and content using a variety of teaching and learning styles.
• Ability to use technology effectively in teaching and service duties.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with students and colleagues.
• Consistent, on-time attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in American governmental institutions and political science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach general education American Government courses and other history courses, in person and online, consistent with disciplinary expertise and departmental needs.
• Develop and maintain an active scholarly research agenda based on area of expertise, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university, including assessment, curriculum development, student recruitment, and participation in shared governance bodies.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere through conduct and communication that foster teamwork and collegiality; maintain consistent, on-time attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and 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 percent of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

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