Assistant Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law Director

Rockhurst University and the College of Arts and Sciences seek a tenure-track faculty member in Political Science to begin January 2027.

We seek a creative and dynamic colleague to champion a new major in Politics, Law, and Ethics, to support and guide Rockhurst’s pre-law students; to build existing and develop new 3 3 agreements with law schools; to guide and direct a growing pre-law program engaging students from different majors and colleges. Applications with a Ph.D. in Political Science or a J.D. and experience teaching US government will be considered. This colleague will teach courses for the College at the undergraduate level, including introductory political science courses and courses in their specialization. The ability to teach statistics for the behavioral sciences is considered an asset. Faculty produce scholarship and intellectual contributions through peer-reviewed journal articles and other artifacts and provide service to the University, College, and Department. 

Review of applications will begin August 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Founded by the Jesuits in 1910, Rockhurst is a comprehensive university that offers more than fifty undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs taught by nationally recognized faculty. The Rockhurst University College of Arts and Sciences is the cornerstone of a Rockhurst University education. We offer exceptional education in the liberal arts. Our world-class faculty engages students in active learning experiences to develop critical and creative approaches to knowledge while building a foundation of values in an inclusive culture.

Essential functions of this role include:

• Teach pertinent course subject matter using lectures, demonstrations, class discussions, and other appropriate modes of educational delivery.
• Prepare course outline and syllabus, develop course and lesson plans, and engage in the selection of textbook and other teaching aids necessary to the instruction of courses.
• Conduct course instruction for one or more courses in the curriculum at the higher education level utilizing diverse teaching strategies, to include posting and grading on Rockhurst learning management system software.
• Produce peer-reviewed scholarship in their disciplinary field;
• Serve as an academic advisor to students, and foster students’ personal and professional development.
• May also supervise independent study and individualized instruction as planned and approved with the collaboration of the Academic Dean.
• Create new and revise existing curriculum.
• Attend and participate in all college meetings, departmental meetings, committee meetings, graduations and other such gatherings as required of faculty members.
• Provide service to the program, college, university and/or other constituents commensurate of one’s rank, through committee involvement and/or leadership.

Position requirements:

• A doctorate is required for tenure-track status;
• A research and teaching focus in a field of political science or closely related discipline is required;
• Evidence of scholarly and creative ability.
• 1-2 years prior teaching experience in higher education preferred.
• Evidence of commitment to scholarly work, service and teaching.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team professionally and confidentially.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

The application process requires a cover letter, salary requirements, and contact information for three references.  Rockhurst cannot accept any application materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.) by email, mail, or walk-in. All applications and application materials must be submitted through our online application system.

Rockhurst University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E-Verify. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Rockhurst University is committed to creating a diverse working environment. The University recruits and employs successful candidates without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and/or disability in employment, educational programs, or activities that it operates. In order to qualify as a candidate, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time Rockhurst is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.