Cornell University, Government Department
Position Description
The Department of Government at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship (appointment title: Postdoctoral Associate). We will consider outstanding applicants in all areas of political science whose research and teaching relates to the broad question of political disagreement, such as theoretical questions associated with it, its origins or bases, how the political process and/or institutions can manage, mitigate, channel, or otherwise deal with political disagreement, and/or the implications of such disagreement. We are particularly interested in applicants committed to enriching the undergraduate teaching mission of the College of Arts & Sciences. The first year of appointment will run August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027; the second year will run August 1, 2027 to July 31, 2028. In the fall semester of each year, fellows will lead two discussion sections in a 7 week long “Disagreement” course taught by a Cornell instructor; the second half (7 weeks) of the fall semester will be free of teaching duties. In the spring semester of each year, fellows will offer one first-year writing seminar and one upper-level undergraduate seminar on topics to be determined by the fellows in consultation with the department chair. Fellows will be expected to highlight disagreements, debates, or controversies in their teaching. Fellows are expected to be in residence for the term of the appointment and to take an active role in the intellectual life of the Government Department, the College of Arts & Sciences, and Cornell University. Fellows will be provided with a workspace and assigned a faculty mentor upon their arrival in the department. This mentor, together with the chair and other faculty, will offer feedback on scholarship and provide professional guidance. Fellows will be provided an annual salary of $75,000, full benefits, and a research account of $4,000 per year. Eligibility is limited to candidates whose PhD will be conferred by August 1, 2026, or was conferred not more than three years prior, August 1, 2023. Application Procedures: The following application materials must be submitted via Academic Jobs Online by April 17, 2026. 1. Cover letter 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper-level undergraduate course 4. Teaching evaluations 5. One article-length writing sample 6. Three letters of recommendation. Please ask referees to upload their letters directly through the link provided by Academic Jobs Online. At least one letter should address teaching qualifications. 7. In a statement of one page or less, applicants should share their experiences and/or approaches (past, current, or future) to fostering learning, research, service, or outreach in a diverse community.For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Article Length Writing Sample
- Teaching Evaluations
- Statement about fostering learning, research, service, and/or outreach in a diverse community.
- Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper-level undergraduate course
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
Further Info:
Cornell University
214 White Hall
Ithaca NY 14853-7901