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Political Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tuskegee University

Position Information Position Title Assistant Professor of Political Science Job Summary The Department of History and Political Science at Tuskegee University seeks to hire a tenure-track Assistant ...

Varsity Tutors

College Political Science Tutor

Logan, UT · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online College Political Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll ...

Varsity Tutors

College Political Science Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online College Political Science tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll ...

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How much do political scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for political scientist in the United States is $34.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a political scientist do?

A political scientist studies the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policies. They analyze governments, political ideas, and trends, often conducting research to evaluate the effects of laws and policies. Their work involves collecting and interpreting data, forecasting political trends, and sometimes advising organizations or policymakers. Political scientists may also teach at universities, publish scholarly articles, or work for think tanks and research institutes.

What is the difference between Political Scientist vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolitical ScientistPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Political Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, Public Policy, or related areas
Work EnvironmentAcademia, research institutions, government agenciesGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, governmentPolicy development, advocacy groups, government
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, qualificationsComparing job functions, responsibilities, and skills

Political Scientists analyze political systems, theories, and behaviors, often working in academia or research. Policy Analysts focus on evaluating and developing policies, typically working in government or think tanks. While both roles require knowledge of political systems, Political Scientists tend to focus on research and theory, whereas Policy Analysts are more involved in practical policy development and analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Political Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Scientist, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in political science or a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (like SPSS or STATA), data visualization tools, and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous research, informing public policy, and effectively conveying findings to diverse audiences.

How do political scientists typically collaborate with government agencies or non-profit organizations in their daily work?

Political scientists often work closely with government agencies and non-profit organizations by conducting research, analyzing policy impacts, and providing recommendations based on their findings. These collaborations may involve designing surveys, evaluating program effectiveness, or advising on legislative initiatives. Working in interdisciplinary teams is common, and political scientists frequently present their insights to stakeholders to inform decision-making. This collaborative environment helps ensure that their research addresses real-world policy challenges and contributes to meaningful societal outcomes.

What Is a Political Scientist?

Political scientists research and analyze government and public policies. As a political scientist, your job duties include conducting polls and surveys, analyzing public opinion data, monitoring current events and political trends, and making predictions based on political theories, research, and analysis. This information helps you evaluate the effects of laws and public policies on citizens, businesses, and the government. You gather data from multiple sources and compare current trends with past political events and government systems. Utilizing your knowledge, you draw conclusions using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Strong analytical skills and excellent reading comprehension and writing abilities are vital for a career in political science.

More about Political Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Political Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Political Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Political Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Political Scientist jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Political Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Political Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Political Scientist jobs? For Political Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Political Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,176 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Temp Part Time Faculty: Political Science

Temp Part Time Faculty: Political Science

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Part-time, Temporary

Posted 11 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Temp Part Time Faculty: Political Science
Posting Number
req32959
Employment Type
Faculty
Faculty Type
Adjunct
Hiring Department
Political Science Department (484A)
Academic Location
College of Arts & Sciences
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Benefits Eligible
Adjunct faculty may be eligible to receive certain UNM benefits in some cases. See the Benefits home page for more information.
Position Summary
The Political Science department is seeking qualified temporary part time faculty members to teach undergraduate and/or graduate level classes in various disciplines as specified below.
Anticipated openings will be for Adjuncts who can teach courses in a broad range of subject areas, including but not limited to the subject areas covered in the following UNM courses:
• POLS 1120: American National Government
• POLS 2110: Comparative Politics
• POLS 2140: Intro Political Analysis
• POLS 311 - The Legislative Process
• POLS 1140 - The Political World
• POLS 315/316/317 - Constitutional Law: Powers/Liberties/Rights
Please consult the UNM Catalog for descriptions of these courses.
Instructors are responsible for all aspects of any class they are teaching. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to meeting with the class during assigned times, delivering the course curriculum, developing and grading assignments, reporting grades, and assessing student learning outcomes as outlined by the Chair of the department.
Positions are contingent upon need each semester as determined by student enrollment levels, courses on the current course schedule, and demand driven by graduation requirements. Positions may be filled or eliminated each semester up to the deadline for students to drop or add courses. Candidates who are selected for these positions will report to the Chair of the Political Science department.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree or higher in Political Science or subfield for which you are applying;
    OR
  • Master's degree or higher in a field other than Political Science that is related to the position for which you are applying;
    OR
  • A JD degree awarded by an accredited law school.

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Two years professional experience in the specialization or subfield.
  2. An earned doctorate (or JD) from an accredited institution.
  3. Successful teaching experience in a post-secondary institution.
  4. Successful experience teaching courses using a variety of teaching modalities (such as Face-to-Face, Remote, and Fully Online).
  5. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Completed applications will include:1. Cover Letter indicating the courses and/or disciplines in which you are interested in teaching; the days/times you are available to teach; and how your education and experience satisfies the Minimum Qualifications criteria described above.2. Curriculum Vitae3. The names and contact information of three professional references who can speak to your directly relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Please note: Qualified applicants may be evaluated for potential interviews by the hiring official as new openings become available throughout the time period covered by this posting.
Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.
For Best Consideration
This posting will remain active until 4/18/2025. Anyone who applies for a position under this posting will automatically be considered for openings in subsequent semesters unless they indicate in their cover letter that they are not interested in teaching in specific semesters.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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