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Assistant Professor Political Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Political Science information

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$42.5K

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How much do assistant professor political science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor political science in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor of political science do?

An Assistant Professor of Political Science teaches undergraduate and sometimes graduate courses in political science, conducts research in their area of expertise, and publishes scholarly work. They also advise students, participate in departmental and university service, and may apply for research grants. This position is typically an entry-level, tenure-track faculty role at a college or university.

What are some typical challenges assistant professors of political science face during the tenure-track period?

Assistant Professors in Political Science often balance teaching, research, and service commitments, which can be demanding, especially during the tenure-track years. Managing a heavy teaching load while producing high-quality, publishable research is a common challenge. Additionally, building a professional network, securing research funding, and actively participating in departmental service or committees are essential for career advancement. Developing a clear research agenda and seeking mentorship from senior faculty can help navigate these challenges and set a strong foundation for tenure review.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of political science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, you generally need a Ph.D. in political science or a closely related field, along with a strong record of research and teaching. Familiarity with academic research databases, statistical analysis software such as SPSS or Stata, and learning management systems like Canvas or Blackboard is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and contribute to a collegial academic environment. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, advancing research, and building a positive reputation within the academic community.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Political Science vs Lecturer Political Science?

AspectAssistant Professor Political ScienceLecturer Political Science
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Political Science or related fieldMaster's degree often sufficient; PhD preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching-focused, often contract-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsUniversities, colleges, community colleges
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between an Assistant Professor Political Science and a Lecturer Political Science lies in their credentials, job responsibilities, and employment status. Assistant Professors typically hold a PhD, engage in research alongside teaching, and have a tenure-track position. Lecturers usually focus primarily on teaching, often with a master's degree, and may work on contract or part-time. Both roles are common in academic settings, but Assistant Professors are more involved in research and long-term academic career development.

More about Assistant Professor Political Science jobs

What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Political Science jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Professor Political Science job openings:

What states have the most Assistant Professor Political Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Political Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Political Science job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Political Science

Madison, WI • On-site

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Faculty
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Assistant Professor
Job Summary:
The Political Science department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to hire a faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor who will publish original empirical research and teach courses on Chinese politics.
While the minimum teaching load of 12 credits per academic year is set by State statute and UW policy, through a combination of allowable adjustments, the usual teaching load in the Department of Political Science is three courses per academic year (two in one semester and one in the other).
Successful applicants will teach graduate and undergraduate classes, mentor students, conduct scholarly research, and provide service to the department, college, university, and academic community nationally and internationally.
The successful candidate will advance the educational mission of the College of Letters & Science that values, prioritizes, and actualizes evidence-based and student-centered teaching and (undergraduate student) mentoring. They will contribute to an environment that fosters engagement and a sense of belonging for faculty, staff, students and members of the broader community.
The successful candidate, as a member of the College of L&S, will proactively contribute to, support, and advance the college's commitment to excellence among all aspects of their teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Learn more about the L&S mission on our webpage: https://ls.wisc.edu/about/mission.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Successful applicants will teach graduate and undergraduate classes, mentor students, conduct scholarly research, and provide service to the department, college, university, and academic community nationally and internationally.
Department:
College of Letters and Science - Department of Political Science
Compensation:
Negotiable
Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have an excellent publication record or a productive research program with strong publishing potential. In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate fostering or the ability to foster a teaching, learning, mentoring, departmental, and research environment where all can thrive.
Education:
Ph.D. in Political Science or related disciplines. Ph.D. required by start of appointment.
How to Apply:
Apply online at "Jobs at UW" (http://jobs.wisc.edu) under Job Requisition JR10013733. Applications must be received through UW-Madison's online application system. Applications submitted outside the system will not be considered. To begin the application process please click on the '' button.
You will be asked to create a profile and upload the following 5 documents:
1) a cover letter
2) a C.V.,
3) a research statement,
4) a teaching and mentoring statement, and
5) Two (2) samples of written work (please upload these 2 samples together).
Applicants will receive an email requesting the names and contact information for three references; each reference will each receive an electronic link through which they can upload a signed letter of reference. For assured consideration, all materials must be received no later than 11:59pm on September 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please note that applicants will be evaluated based upon submitted application materials and therefore should speak to and include evidence of their qualifications. Application materials must clearly demonstrate the applicant's dedication to excellence in student-centered teaching and mentoring.
Additionally, materials should showcase the applicant's ability to purposefully plan their teaching practices, evidenced through goals, action plans, reflection, and related documentation. This portion of the application materials must be created by the applicant and may include supporting letters. It cannot be only in the form of letters and testimony by others.
Contact Information:
Nadav Shelef, Chair of the Political Science Department
shelef@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005