Temporary Independent Contractor Political Science Jobs

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary

The Department of Political Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty positions to teach introductory courses in political science.

For more information about the Department of Political Science in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/political-science.

Responsibilities

Affiliate faculty instructors may teach 3 - 9 credit hours of introductory political science courses. Courses may be in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, law, public policy, and political theory, depending upon the affiliate's expertise and Department needs. Affiliate faculty will teach online or in-person courses, depending on the Department's needs.

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in Political Science or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Political Science or related field (i.e., Public Administration & International Studies)

• Higher education teaching experience in Political Science

• Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse population including (but not limited to) students of color, LBGTQ+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, first generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, not-traditional students, student veterans, and English language learners

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.

Qualified candidates may be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary for Announcement

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1264 - $1482.

For more information, please view pay rates under the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences: Affiliate-Rates-AY-25-26

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae

• Cover letter

• A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.