Political Science Research Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

The Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities invites applications for a full-time faculty position in International Relations & Methodology beginning fall semester 2027 (08/30/2027). We particularly seek a candidate with expertise in quantitative empirical methods and international political economy (IPE), and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
The successful applicant must be able to teach quantitative empirical methods at the undergraduate level, as well as contribute to the departments graduate methods sequence in topics such as ordinary least squares (OLS) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The successful applicant must also be able to offer classes in IPE at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We anticipate that the successful candidate would be a formal member of both the international relations and applied methodology subfields within the department.  
Provided applicants are able to teach undergraduate and graduate methods courses, we do not require that their research focus on methodology. We do require that applicants research agenda touch on the field of IPE, broadly construed.
The appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year (late August to late May) and will be made at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor, consistent with collegiate and university policy.
State law requires a good faith estimate of the salary range for all advertised positions. The range for this position is $75,000 to $150,000 depending on discipline, experience and other considerations. Faculty positions also include significant start-up funds, as well as retirement, health and other benefits.
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
Faculty in the Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts are expected to maintain an active research program, teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute service appropriate for the rank of appointment to the department, college, University, and profession.
The Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Department of Political Science are available at https://faculty.umn.edu/review-recognition/tenure-review/approved-712-statements 
For information on faculty workload guidelines and principles in the College of Liberal Arts, visit: https://neighborhood.cla.umn.edu/college-knowledge/workload-principles-and-guidelines

Required Qualifications: (9403)

• Ph.D. in political science or related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications: (9403)

• College/university-level teaching experience is preferred.

Required Qualifications: (9404)

• Advanced ABDs may be considered for appointment at the rank of tenure-track instructor (job code: 9404), with the stipulation that the Ph.D. is conferred in the first year of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: (9404)

• College/university-level teaching experience is preferred.

Candidates will be evaluated according to (a) overall quality of their academic preparation and scholarly work, (b) contribution of their scholarly research to the department's academic priorities and fields of inquiry, (c) evidence of commitment to teaching and skills as a teacher, and (d) strength of recommendations.
 

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, 575 undergraduate majors, and 125 undergraduate minors. For further information, please visit the department website, https://cla.umn.edu/polisci

Established in 1868, the College of Liberal Arts supports the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission as home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs. CLA comprises 31 academic departments, over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative / support units, and has over 1,200 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus, enrolls nearly 14,000 undergraduate students (half of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus), and over 1,600 graduate students. CLA is committed to intellectual freedom, the pursuit of new knowledge, and the belief that the liberal arts are the foundation of academic learning. CLA prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, innovators in their chosen fields; to create meaning in their lives and in their life's work; and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and the world.

CLA values diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives as key to innovation and excellent education. CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints - so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
 

Pay Range: (9403): $75,000 to $150,000; depending on discipline, experience and other considerations

Pay Range: (9404): $75,000 to $150,000; depending on discipline, experience and other considerations.
 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

The following required materials must be attached to your online application:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Writing sample (in the candidates central area of research)
4. Brief statement of research interest
5. Evidence of prior teaching experience and effectiveness (e.g., lists of past experience as a TA or instructor, information on any pedagogical training, etc.)
   1. Applicants may submit additional letters of recommendation from supervisors as evidence of teaching effectiveness, but are not required to do so.

Additional materials may be requested from candidates at a future date.  

In addition to the electronically submitted materials, applicants are asked to arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the department.  

The letters of recommendation may be emailed to psearch@umn.edu, or mailed to:

International Relations & Methodology Search Committee
Attn: Alexis Cuttance
Department of Political Science 
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
267 19th Avenue South, Room 1414
Minneapolis, MN 55455

For questions about the position, please contact the Department of Political Science, at psearch@umn.edu or (612) 624-4144.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.