1

Political Theory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Presently, we have a specific need for faculty to teach within the field of American Politics, International Relations/Global Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Part-time adjunct ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Political Theory information

See salary details

$9

$22

$52

How much do political theory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for political theory in the United States is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical career advancement opportunities for professionals specializing in political theory?

Professionals in political theory often begin their careers in academia as lecturers or research fellows, with opportunities to advance to tenured professorship, departmental leadership, or administrative roles within universities. Some may transition into think tanks, policy research organizations, or editorial positions in academic publishing. Gaining recognition through published research, conference presentations, and collaborative projects can open doors to higher-level opportunities and influence in the field. Additionally, those with strong interdisciplinary skills may branch into consulting, governmental advisory roles, or international organizations where theoretical expertise is highly valued.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Political Theory position, and why are they important?

To thrive in political theory, you need advanced analytical skills, strong research abilities, and an academic background typically featuring a Ph.D. or master's in political science or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, citation management software, and academic databases is essential. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and the ability to present complex ideas clearly are standout soft skills for this profession. These competencies enable the creation and dissemination of original research that shapes scholarly debate and influences policy discussions.

What is a Political Theory job?

A Political Theory job typically involves researching, teaching, and writing about fundamental questions regarding politics, justice, power, and ethics. Professionals in this field may work in academia, think tanks, government, or journalism, analyzing philosophical and theoretical frameworks that shape political systems. These roles often require expertise in political philosophy, critical theory, and intellectual history to explore how ideas influence political behavior and governance.

More about Political Theory jobs
What cities are hiring for Political Theory jobs? Cities with the most Political Theory job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Political Theory jobs? The most popular types of Political Theory jobs are:
What states have the most Political Theory jobs? States with the most job openings for Political Theory jobs include:
Infographic showing various Political Theory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,475 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
TENURED PROFESSOR IN POLITICAL THEORY

TENURED PROFESSOR IN POLITICAL THEORY

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$170K - $430K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 hours ago

Posted today


Harvard University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position
Details
Title
TENURED PROFESSOR IN POLITICAL THEORY
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Government Department
Position Description
The Department of Government seeks to appoint a tenured professor in Political Theory. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2027. The professor will teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a doctorate.
Additional Qualifications
We will consider candidates who are top-tier scholars, teachers, and engaged members of their academic institutions, including research institutes, and whose scholarship and teaching significantly expands the traditional academic discourse on political theory. Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching, advising, and research is essential. Candidates should also have demonstrated intellectual leadership and impact on the field and potential for significant contributions to the department, University, and wider scholarly and intellectual community.
Special Instructions
Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu). Candidates are encouraged to apply by August 10, 2026. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Authorization form

• Click the document link
• Download the PDF document
• Complete and sign the document.
• Scan the completed, signed document and upload it with your other application materials
Harvard University is committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging. Community members are encouraged to model our values of integrity, responsible mentorship, equity, and excellence no matter where they are.
To support this commitment to our values of inclusion and excellence, the external finalist for this positionwill be required to complete a conduct questionnaire- specifically regarding findings of violation, on-going formal complaint investigations, or formal complaint investigations that did not conclude due to the external finalist's departure concerning:
harassment or discrimination, retaliation, sexual misconduct, bullying or intimidating/abusive behavior, unprofessional relationship, or misconduct related to scholarship, research, teaching, service, or clinical/patient care.
Harvard will also make conduct inquiriesto current and former employers of the external finalist regarding such misconduct. To facilitate these inquiries, Harvard requires all external applicants for this position to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to release information for external applicants"as part of their application. If an external applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and, as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
Contact Information
Danielle Allen, Search Committee, Department of Government
Contact Email
danielleallen@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$170,000 - $430,000
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as experience, training or qualifications, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required
Maximum Number of References Allowed
Keywords
faculty, tenure, professor, associate professor, senior
Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England
[Fields: political theory]

What Harvard University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom