Job description
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26014
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Eric Austin
Department Head
eaustin@montana.edu
Classification Title
Working Title Assistant Professor of Political Science in American Politics with specialization open (preference for Policy, Cybersecurity, Privacy, AI)
Brief Position Overview
The Department of Political Science at Montana State University – Bozeman invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the assistant professor level in the subfield of American politics.
The committee is open to candidates with a background in any substantive area related to American politics.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Assistant Professor
Position Number 4A5185
Department Political Science
Division College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type Faculty
Contract Term Academic Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The position includes responsibilities related to teaching, scholarship, and service.
Montana State University values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community.
We hope to attract applicants who can teach in a University community and have demonstrated ability in helping students from all backgrounds to succeed.
Duties and Responsibilities
+ Ongoing peer-reviewed publication of original research and public presentation of research.
+ Teaching two large sections of Introduction to American Politics annually.
+ Teaching research methods at the undergraduate level, with a focus on quantitative research.
+ Teaching upper-level undergraduate courses that fit with the individual’s background and interests.
+ Perform service activities to the department and profession.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
+ Ph.D. or ABD in political science or closely related discipline with a specialization in American politics, with Ph.D. earned prior to the start of the appointment in August 2026.
+ Demonstrated potential for effectiveness in teaching at the undergraduate level in higher education, including the potential to advise undergraduate students.
+ Demonstrated potential for effectiveness in conducting and disseminating American politics research.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
+ Ph.D. in political science or closely related discipline with a specialization in American politics at the time of application.
+ Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching at the undergraduate level in higher education.
+ Demonstrated effectiveness in conducting and disseminating research on American politics.
The Successful Candidate Will
+ Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
+ Work professionally and effectively with colleagues, staff, and students.
+ Take initiative and work well independently.
+ Have the ability to relate to a wide range of undergraduate students and develop classroom rapport with students.
+ Have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.
+ Be committed to supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of all backgrounds.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Required documents to be uploaded to the application:
+ Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
+ Curriculum Vitae
+ Teaching Statement (max 2 pages)
+ Research Statement (max 2 pages)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job.
Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
Our award-winning faculty bring rich and varied scholarship into the classroom, engaging students in questions of power, ethics, identity, representation, policy, law, and governance.
Our integrated curriculum challenges students to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and research – preparing our graduates for citizenship and leadership, post-graduate study, and a range of employment opportunities.
Students have the opportunity to access the resources of a major research university while experiencing a liberal arts education that involves close engagement with professors and peers.
The program strongly advocates for understanding of international perspectives and encourages students to immerse themselves in other cultures by studying abroad.
The Department
The Department of Political Science has 150-200 undergraduate majors and offers an MPA degree with about 20 students.
The faculty value collegiality and collaborative problem solving.
Faculty members are dedicated to high-quality, effective instruction and are productive and recognized scholars.
Faculty members have a history of conducting research with students.
Moreover, faculty members are committed to serving communities both inside and outside the institution.
The College
The College of Letters and Science, the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors, and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.
Building on the strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry.
The College of Letters and Science is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued.
The College of Letters and Science is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date August 2026
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on September 22, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer.
MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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