INTRODUCTION

The Department of Political Science at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs is pleased to invite applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in American Politics with a specialization in state and local politics and policy. The Department currently has 40 full-time faculty who are responsible for more than 700 undergraduate majors and 150 minors, as well as more than 40 graduate students. Exceptionally strong candidates will be able to contribute to the Department’s strengths in the areas of political institutions, public opinion, voting behavior and/or race, ethnic, or Indigenous politics/Tribal governance. 

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research and scholarship through high-quality publications as well as the potential to seek extramural funding. Applicants should share a deep commitment to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, innovative courses and instruction methods, and the mentoring of students in research, outreach, and professional development. The successful candidate will also be expected to broaden participation among members of underrepresented groups; demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests. Candidates should be committed to effective teaching, including integrating technology into instruction and online instruction as well as the ability to contribute through research, teaching, and/or public engagement to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in political science or a related field, or international equivalent, by the time of appointment.
• Expertise in American Politics as well as state and local politics.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in teaching.
• Evidence of potential for successful research and scholarship.
• A deep commitment to promoting diversity through their academic and research programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Outstanding potential for or record of research and scholarship excellence.
• Substantive specialization in political institutions, public opinion, voting behavior, and/or race and ethnic politics.
• A record of, or strong potential for, obtaining external research support.
• Evidence of contributions to the diversity and excellence of student learning experience through research, teaching, and/or public engagement.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of Fall 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25807 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.).
• Teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.).
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.).
• Sample journal articles or books,
• Three letters of reference.

Evaluation of applicants will begin on October 15, 2023. For more information regarding the Department of Political Science please visit the Department's website at https://polisci.uconn.edu/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.