Western Carolina University is hiring: Assistant Professor - American Government

Assistant Professor - American Government & Politics - #000825 & #251062 Please see Special Instructions for more details. Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025 and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include the following: Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s level and higher. List of three professional references with full contact information. Evidence of teaching effectiveness. Writing sample. For questions or additional information please contact Heather Rimes at hnrimes@email.wcu.edu. *All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state “Degree Awarded” or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s transcript, if applicable. Department: Political Science & Public Affairs About WCU: 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State.” 2024 – Ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers in the “America’s Best Midsize Employers” list. 2023 – Ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers in the same list. 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “Best Employers by State.” Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees are provided a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision and health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition waivers, free group exercise classes, prepaid holiday and community service leave, and optional disability plans. Position Summary The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. The Department of Political Science and Public Affairs seeks a tenure‑track Assistant Professor in American Government and Politics, with anticipated start in August 2026. This nine‑month position may include summer teaching. Responsibilities include teaching six courses per year, including Introduction to American Government and upper‑level undergraduate courses in Congress and the U.S. Presidency, as well as conducting scholarship and service to the department, university, and profession. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications PhD in Political Science or related field from an accredited institution. ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by December 30, 2026. A promising research agenda related to Congress and/or the presidency. Preferred Qualifications Prior university‑level teaching experience and a demonstrated ability and desire to perform service to the university, region, and profession. Position Type: Permanent Full‑Time Number of Hours Per Week: 9 months per year (nine‑month academic year) Background in‑Check: Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex‑offender background checks. Some vacancies may require additional checks. E‑Verify is used to confirm employment eligibility. All new employees must provide verified credentials within 30 days of employment if they are to teach. EOE Statement: Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or veteran status. University Safety: The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online and in hard copy upon request. Required Documents Cover Letter/Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae Unofficial Transcripts List of references Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness Writing Sample Optional Documents Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). #J-18808-Ljbffr