Lecturer of Political Science

University of North Texas System•Dallas, TX

45d

About The Position

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) invites applications for a full-time Lecturer position in Political Science, beginning in Spring semester 2026. The successful candidate will be expected to achieve excellence in teaching and to assist in further development of the UNT Dallas Political Science program. UNT Dallas offers faculty the unique opportunity to help shape the character of a learner-focused comprehensive university. Applications will be reviewed until the search is closed. As a young university in a growing sector of Dallas, UNT Dallas is committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and student success. UNT Dallas is part of the University of North Texas System, which also includes UNT Denton, the UNT Health Sciences Center, and the UNT Dallas College of Law. This position is responsible for teaching four (4) courses per semester. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in such service activities such as curriculum development, online course development, project development, and committee leadership. The ideal candidate will be committed to advancing UNT Dallas's Classroom to Career initiative-an innovative effort that bridges academic achievement and career readiness. This includes strengthening industry partnerships, embedding experiential learning (such as internships, research, and service learning) into the curriculum, integrating career and character competencies, and fostering AI fluency and essential power skills like communication, adaptability, teamwork, and leadership. The candidate should also support the development of new academic programs aligned with workforce needs and pathways to family-sustaining careers. The University of North Texas System and its component institutions are committed to equal opportunity and comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of North Texas System and its component institutions do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, and employment practices.

Requirements

Educational Credentials: A master's degree in political science, Public Administration, or a closely related field is generally required. In some cases, a Ph.D. may be preferred, particularly for more advanced or specialized courses.
Teaching Experience: Demonstrated experience in teaching political science courses at the college or university level is essential. This can include serving as a graduate teaching assistant, adjunct instructor, or full-time faculty member.
Expertise in Political Science: Strong knowledge and expertise in political science, including various subfields such as comparative politics, international relations, political theory, American politics, public policy, or others relevant to the courses being taught.
Effective Communication Skills: The ability to communicate complex political concepts effectively to students is crucial. This includes both verbal communication during lectures and discussions, as well as written communication for assignments, feedback, and grading.
Commitment to Student Success: A dedication to fostering student learning and engagement, as well as the ability to provide support and mentorship to students outside of the classroom.
Collegiality and Professionalism: The capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues within the political science department and across the institution, as well as professionalism in interactions with students and staff.
Continued Professional Development: A commitment to staying current with developments in the field of political science through research, professional development activities, and participation in academic conferences or workshops.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Political Science or ABD: While a master's degree may be the minimum requirement, many institutions prefer candidates with a Ph.D. This advanced degree demonstrates a deeper understanding of political science laws and institutions, including policies and practice.
Teaching Experience: Extensive experience teaching political science courses at the college or university level is highly valued. Previous experience designing syllabi, leading discussions, and assessing student learning outcomes (SLOs) can strengthen an applicant's candidacy.
Research Publications and Scholarly Activity: A record of research activity, conference presentations or posterboards, or other scholarly activity demonstrates active engagement in the field of political science and contributes to the academic reputation of the department.
Innovative Teaching Methods: Experience with innovative and effective teaching methods, including High Impact Practices (HIP), the integration of technology, active learning strategies, and experiential learning opportunities, can set candidates apart.
Experience teaching and mentoring students from heterogeneous learning backgrounds is valued.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Experience collaborating with colleagues from other disciplines or participating in interdisciplinary research initiatives can demonstrate versatility and adaptability in teaching and scholarly activities.
Professional Engagement: Involvement in professional organizations, service on academic committees, and participation in community engagement activities related to political science can indicate a candidate's dedication to the field and to broader societal issues.
Strong Letters of Recommendation: Can provide at least 3 letters of recommendation from supervisors, colleagues, peers, or mentors who can attest to the candidate's teaching effectiveness, scholarly potential, and collegiality can strengthen the application.
Alignment with Departmental Goals: Candidates who can articulate how their teaching and research interests align with the goals and priorities of UNT Dallas's political science department are often preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and deliver lectures, seminars, and tutorials on political science topics such as American and Texas government, American Politics, public policy, and political theory.
Develop course syllabi, assignments, and exams.
Grade student work and provide constructive feedback.
Advise and mentor students on academic and career matters.
Incorporate technology and innovative methods to enhance learning.
Participate in departmental meetings and curriculum development.
Contribute to university committees and initiatives.
Engage in outreach and collaboration with external partners, such as internship programs or policy organizations.
Continuously update teaching methods and subject knowledge.
Attend workshops and training sessions related to pedagogy and research.