Assistant Professor of Political Science

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:

SVSU invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Political Science to begin July 1, 2026. Applicants must have acquired their Ph.D. by the time of appointment. Specific teaching responsibilities will include upper-division courses in political theory and general education courses in World Politics. All courses require instruction in writing and oral communication skills. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate fully in departmental activities such as advising student clubs, recruiting new students, and supporting career and alumni events. Additionally, an active program of research appropriate to the applicant’s specific interests and experience is expected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Ph.D. in Political Science from an accredited institution; ABD will be considered if the Ph.D. is completed by July 1, 2026.
• Subfield expertise in Political Theory
• Demonstrated success in teaching introductory world politics
• Demonstrated success in teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated success in teaching writing and oral communication skills
• Experience teaching and mentoring a broad spectrum of undergraduate students
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• The capacity to offer one or more classes in the department’s Master of Public Administration Program
• Demonstrated success in teaching online or hybrid courses

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.
• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website , http://www.svsu.edu .