Assistant Professor - Department of Political Science

UMass Amherst • Amherst, NY

3d • $79,350 - $125,811 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Political Science in Media, Technology, and Politics, expected to start on September 1, 2027. Applicants should have a research focus on social media, digital platforms, and/or artificial intelligence in the context of how these technologies are rapidly reshaping campaigns, political discourse, and democratic institutions in the United States. Applicants should have a documented record or a clear promise of exceptional research productivity. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise in Political Science and in the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Program (DACSS). The new hire is expected to engage with the University’s interdisciplinary programs through the Computational Social Science Institute and the Community, Democracy, and Dialogue Initiative and is expected to contribute to the UMass Poll. We seek candidates with a demonstrated ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds and to contribute to a learning environment that supports all students. Current or previous external funding, or experience seeking external grants, is a plus. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Political Science or a related discipline by the start date.
• A record of research and teaching in Media and Politics, Technology and Politics, Artificial Intelligence and Politics, and/or Political Methodology.
• A demonstrated ability to teach a course or courses in the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) Program.

Nice To Haves

• Current or previous external funding, or experience seeking external grants.
• Ability to describe in cover letter, research statement, and teaching statement how their work aligns with the goals and values outlined in the university’s strategic plan, including advancing equity and inclusive excellence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research with a focus on social media, digital platforms, and/or artificial intelligence in the context of how these technologies are rapidly reshaping campaigns, political discourse, and democratic institutions in the United States.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise in Political Science.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Program (DACSS).
• Engage with interdisciplinary programs through the Computational Social Science Institute and the Community, Democracy, and Dialogue Initiative.
• Contribute to the UMass Poll.
• Engage students from diverse backgrounds.
• Contribute to a learning environment that supports all students.

Benefits

• Salary range between $79,350 and $125,811.
• The low-end of the pay range is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

What This Job Offers

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