The University of Richmond Department of Political Science invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the 2026-27 academic year.

The Department seeks to hire a teacher-scholar whose research focuses on executive-branch politics in the United States. The candidate’s approach to the study of executive-branch politics should add to other needed areas of expertise within the Department such as the presidency, administrative politics and policymaking, and executive-legislative relations. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Introduction to American Government and to develop new electives in the American Presidency and other areas based on expertise. The position carries a 3-2 teaching load with courses typically capped at 24 or fewer students.

Applicants must either hold a PhD in Political Science or show credible evidence that they will complete the dissertation and degree requirements by August 1, 2026.

In keeping with the University’s mission, the Department strives to be one of the best undergraduate departments of political science in the nation. It recognizes the variety of different theoretical approaches and methodological orientations within the discipline and offers students the opportunity to learn the critical thinking, analytical, and communicative skills needed for understanding how government and politics function in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Applicants should apply online at http://jobs.richmond.edu and submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and separate research and teaching statements. The cover letter should provide a brief summary of the candidate’s research and teaching interests and describe their commitment to the teacher-scholar model. The research statement should expand on the candidate’s research agenda and expertise. The teaching statement should articulate the candidate’s teaching philosophy, interests, ability to teach courses in executive politics, and future professional development goals as well as involvement in and commitment to inclusive pedagogy. Candidates for this position may be asked, at a later date, to provide the names and contact information for three references who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will commence September 19, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Please contact Dr. Tracy Roof at troof@richmond.edu with any questions. For more information on the department and its programs, please see https://polisci.richmond.edu/.

The University of Richmond is a private university located just a short drive from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Through its five schools and wide array of campus programming, the University combines the best qualities of a small liberal arts college and a large university. With approximately 4,000 students, an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and more than 90% of traditional undergraduate students living on campus, the University is remarkably student-centered.

The mission of the University of Richmond is to educate in an academically challenging, intellectually vibrant, and collaborative community dedicated to the holistic development of students and the production of scholarly and creative work. A Richmond education prepares students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world. The University of Richmond’s strategic priorities are academic excellence, belonging and community, access and affordability, well-being, and experiential learning and community engagement. The University seeks to model a relentlessly welcoming and inclusive campus community that values the expression of difference in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our academic community strongly encourages applications that are in keeping with this commitment.