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Assistant Professor, Political Science and International Relations

Apply now Posting #: 5318
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

 Assistant Professor, Political Science and International Relations
Posting #

5318

Department Description:

The Department of Political Science and International Relations is committed to the liberal arts tradition of intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and a pluralistic and diverse curriculum. We provide students with a solid understanding of the theories, practices and institutions of politics, but also with an appreciation of how to create a more just and humane world. Our courses cover every corner of the globe and prepare students to be keen political observers and actors. To supplement coursework, we also provide internship, community service learning, and study abroad opportunities that encourage learning outside of the classroom. The department houses two separate majors. The Political Science major focuses attention on the shared and contending ideas, values, institutions and processes of public life. The International Relations major is an interdisciplinary field of study designed for students who seek a holistic understanding of international affairs. The curriculum is rooted in political science and provides students with a strong background in international relations, comparative politics, and international political economy. The department also offers a Masters of International Relations (MAIR) degree. Courses range from the specific study of politics in one country or of a single institution or political process (the judiciary, Congress, the presidency or elections), to more general offerings such as courses on political theory, political development, race and ethnicity, environmental politics, research methods, human rights, and constitutional law.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of San Diego invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level with expertise in international development starting in Fall 2026.

Through their research and teaching, successful candidates will be expected to increase our students’ ability to examine international relations with a focus in any one of a range of specialties, including international organizations, human rights, development policy, policy analysis, postcolonial thought, political economy, and sustainable development. In addition to teaching courses in their area of expertise, the department expects the candidate to contribute to teaching undergraduate and Master’s curricular requirements such as Theories of International Relations, Research Methods, or Policy Analysis. The successful candidate will also contribute courses in other core areas of departmental curricular need. Candidates should describe their teaching interests in their cover letter.

Candidates must be committed to excellent, inclusive teaching and student advising at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Candidates must also be committed to pursuing a scholarly agenda and will be expected to engage actively in service at the departmental, college, and/or university levels after the first year. A typical teaching load in the College of Arts and Sciences is three courses per semester.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Advanced Degree: Applicants should hold a terminal degree, preferably a Ph.D. in Political Science. ABD candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the expectation of having a completed Ph.D. degree by September 2026.

Posting Salary:

$7,000-7,333/month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Resume Required
 
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application.

Applicants must submit:

  1. a cover letter that describes the candidate’s research agenda and the courses they would like to teach;
  2. a CV;
  3. official graduate transcripts;
  4. three letters of recommendation that address both teaching and scholarship;
  5. a writing sample;
  6. a summary of teaching evaluations and evidence of teaching excellence, including a sample syllabus;
  7. a statement of teaching philosophy that includes discussion of how candidates approach students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. 

Candidates are encouraged to submit application materials at their earliest convenience. To ensure full consideration, applications must be complete by September 5, 2025.

Questions should be directed to Search Committee Chair, Dr. A.M. Spiegel (spiegel@sandiego.edu).

If you have any technical questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
 
Additional Details:

The College of Arts and Sciences and University of San Diego

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.


The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

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