Position Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Position Title Assistant Professor of Political Science (American Constitutional Law, American Political Thought, Public Law, Judicial Systems) Requisition 202600086F Rank Assistant Professor FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary
Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Position Category Position Type Full-Time Tenure Track College College of Humanities and Social Sciences Department Dept of Political Science Open Date 07/07/2026 Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/47657
Position Details
Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job
The Department of Political Science at Sam Houston State University is seeking a full-time, tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 2027. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for teaching three courses per semester and engaging in research/scholarly activities. The successful candidate(s) will also be expected to participate in service activities such as program and curriculum development, in-person and online course development, and student recruitment and engagement.
Educational Requirements for the Position
Candidates should have a PhD in Political Science from an accredited institution of higher education. ABD candidates will be considered, but the successful candidate must have a PhD by the start date (August 2027).
Experience Required for the Position
The successful candidate must be able to teach undergraduate courses (in-person and online) in Public Law, American Constitutional Law, Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Judicial Systems, American Political Thought, and American or Texas Government, a graduate course on Judicial Politics and a graduate seminar in American Politics/American Political Thought (graduate courses are all online). In the teaching statement, candidates should directly address their qualifications to teach these specific courses and to teach both in-person and online courses.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the leadership of the Legal Studies Minor within the Political Science Department.
Demonstrated evidence of an established or emerging research/scholarly program in Public Law, Constitutional Jurisprudence, Judicial Politics/Systems, and/or American Political Thought is required.
Other Requirements for the Position
Required Application Materials:
Cover letter that identifies research and teaching interests, qualifications, and experience for the position.
Current CV that includes, if applicable, a summary of previous teaching experience and the format of each course taught (i.e., in-person, online, hybrid).
All graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted during the application process; however, the successful candidate must submit official transcripts documenting all post-secondary degrees.
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's teaching and research abilities.
Recent student teaching evaluations covering the last two semesters of teaching, if available. Those without teaching evaluations will need to upload a placeholder document in lieu of evaluations.
Teaching statement, including a discussion of online pedagogy and how the applicant's teaching will meet the specific needs of Sam Houston State University's students.
If available, sample syllabi for relevant courses.
The application process will remain open until the position is filled, but the committee will begin evaluating applicants on 1 September 2026. Please direct questions to Dr. Kenneth McIntyre (kmcintyre@shsu.edu).
Special Instructions Summary
Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.
Open Until Filled Yes
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.
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