Instructor | Political Science

Position Overview

The Department of Political Science is currently hiring for instructors to teach virtual courses at the undergraduate level in the Intelligence & National Security Studies program. The instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position that is not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. This is a term appointment for the Spring 2027 semester. Renewal will be based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations, not to exceed two continuous semesters.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. prior to the start date of the position.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states:  California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Job Description

100% Instructional Duties:

• As an instructor for the university, primary duties and responsibilities include: teaching in a specific field, developing course materials, developing and managing syllabi, creating lectures and assignments, grading student work, advising students and holding office hours.
• All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to departmental, school/college and university policies and procedures
• Attend required instructor training, as required by the department, and provided by the Center for Teaching Excellence
• The Lecturer should be available for reasonable appointments if a student requests a meeting either in person or virtual.
• Adhere to departmental, college, and university policies
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

For Instruction of Undergraduate-Level Courses:

• MA in discipline or relevant field OR BA in discipline & 5 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in the Intelligence & National security sector.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science.
• Evidence of prior college-level teaching experience in Political Science or specific course of interest.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application will include a letter of application (see below), a CV/resume detailing specific subject areas the applicant is qualified to teach and/or develop, and the names and contact information for three professional references. A sample syllabus for a similar course is recommended.

Please address the following areas in your letter of application:

• What experience do you have with the development and management of an undergraduate course syllabus? If you have not developed a college-level syllabus, please describe any comparable experience developing training programs, educational materials, curricula, or structured learning content.
• What experience do you have with creating undergraduate lectures and assignments? If applicable, describe related experience designing training sessions, presentations, workshops, instructional materials, or professional development programs.
• What experience do you have with grading work and advising college students? Candidates without direct college teaching experience are encouraged to discuss relevant experience mentoring, coaching, supervising, evaluating performance, or providing feedback to learners, trainees, or professional staff.
• What is your overall teaching strategy? Please describe your approach to facilitating learning, engaging students, communicating complex concepts, assessing understanding, and supporting learner success in an academic or professional training environment.
  
  
  

Contact Information to Applicants

Ashley Urban, Department of Political Science

ashleylu@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$6,562.50 per 3 hour online/asynchronous course

Application Review Begins

Monday November 9, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 23, 2026