Assistant Professor Political Science Jobs in Minnesota

The Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs lecturers to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate student instructors. These positions are temporary and part-time. 
This does not constitute a posting for vacancies. This search establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur during the 2026/27 academic year. Applicants will be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year. 
This is a temporary, non-tenured, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) position, paid on a per course basis. These appointments are arranged semester-by-semester and employment is contingent upon the course meeting its enrollment target. 
Lecturers will be expected to teach undergraduate students in assigned course(s), hold office hours to assist and advise students, respond to student and department inquiries, turn in grades, attend required meetings, and turn in student evaluations. An in-person review of teaching will be conducted during the course. 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in political science or closely related field.
• Two years of teaching experience in a college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge of and/or experience in the University of Minnesota teaching methodology.
• Three or more years of teaching experience in a college or university.
• Must be capable of delivering high-quality instruction to a diverse student body. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

The Department of Political Science is committed to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education and to the conduct of leading social science research. The department serves 23 faculty in five subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Applied Methods), approximately 50 Ph.D. students, 500 undergraduate majors, and 100 undergraduate minors. For more information, please visit the department website at cla.umn.edu/polisci

Pay Range: $12,000 - $15,000 / course; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Additional documents may be requested later. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. 

Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when such openings occur throughout the academic year. Applications must be updated or resubmitted for each academic year.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.