What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Political Science (Methods and American Politics) position at Transylvania University?
Assistant Professor of Political Science (Methods and American Politics)
Transylvania University (www.transy.edu) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position in Political Science, beginning August 25, 2027. The political science program at Transylvania University emphasizes hands-on experiential learning. Students learn by engaging the real world; completing internships and mentorships with policymakers and practitioners; participating in active learning in the classroom; and completing in-depth research projects focused on addressing complex societal challenges. The program stresses the cultivation of good analytic skills through reading, writing, research and presentations.
Why Join Transylvania University?
Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest institutions. Ranked in the Top 100 Best Liberal Arts colleges for 2025 by Niche, we’re a vibrant campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky full of curious minds, creative energy, and people who genuinely love what they do. We are mentors and community builders who help shape the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. We cultivate independent thinking, open-mindedness, creative expression and commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility in a diverse world. With approximately 1,000 students, Transylvania is a student-centered institution with small class sizes. We offer additional opportunities for travel and team-taught courses, and a focus on experiential learning.
Who are we looking for?
Eligible candidates will have a Ph.D. in Political Science or a related field by the start date. The successful candidate will have expertise in quantitative methods and in areas of American politics other than public law. Applicants with an interest in American political behavior, and those with undergraduate teaching experience (particularly in research methods), are particularly encouraged to apply. This person will jointly serve the Political Science program and Data Analytics minor and be responsible for developing and expanding our interdisciplinary minor in Data Analytics as well as broadening the utilization of quantitative research methods across campus. The successful candidate will have a commitment to teaching, value interdisciplinary dialogue, and work collaboratively with other faculty. The teaching load consists of three courses per term, plus one short-term course in May term (3-3-1). Responsibilities include:
- Teach Introduction to Data Analytics and Statistics; Data Acquisition, Wrangling and Visualization; and topics within their area of specialization in Political Science.
- Contributions to teaching core classes such as Political Analysis and Senior Seminar are expected, along with occasional supervision of community internships and independent research.
- Regular contributions to First-Year programing and service as an academic adviser.
- Other responsibilities include academic scholarship/professional activity, preferably involving undergraduate students, and service to the university through various committee appointments.
How do you apply?
Qualified candidates should submit a single PDF including:
- a cover letter
- curriculum vitae
- statement of teaching philosophy
- statement of research philosophy
- unofficial graduate transcripts
- list of at least three professional references
The successful candidate will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and be subject to a background check. Send questions specific to this search to Dr. Steve Hess, search committee chair, at shess@transy.edu.
Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we embrace diversity and encourage applications from qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.