Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Position Summary

James Madison College at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (PTCD). James Madison College engages undergraduates in a liberal arts education in public affairs in a residential college setting within a broader research-intensive university. The Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy major is an interdisciplinary field of public affairs. It focuses on liberal constitutional democracy (its origins, practice, critics, and defenders) from the perspective of political philosophy.

We seek a teacher-scholar broadly trained in the history of political theory that supports curriculum in Black political thought (American and comparative), as well as radical perspectives on modern constitutional democracy. Areas of research and teaching focus include African-American politics, comparative Black political thought, and radical political theory. In addition to these requirements, preferred areas of interest include: colonialism studies, Native-American studies, Indigenous studies, American constitutional politics, or modern political theory. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach elective courses cross-listed between PTCD and Social Relations and Policy majors.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to teach core courses in the history of political thought combining serious study of canonical texts as well as authors/voices from outside the canon, with a view to the present and future of constitutional democracy. Applicants should also be able to contribute to the broader interdisciplinary curriculum of the major and the college, including the first-year sequence. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda in their respective field(s). The College is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, research and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in a related field is required by August 16th, 2025.

The successful candidate should be trained in the history of political theory that supports curriculum in Black political thought (American and comparative), as well as radical perspectives on modern constitutional democracy. Areas of research and teaching focus include African-American politics, comparative Black political thought, and radical political theory. 

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to teach core courses in the history of political thought combining serious study of canonical texts as well as authors/voices from outside the canon, with a view to the present and future of constitutional democracy. Applicants should also be able to contribute to the broader interdisciplinary curriculum of the major and the college, including the first-year sequence.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active scholarly agenda in their respective field(s).

Desired Qualifications

Preferred areas of research and teaching interest include: Colonialism studies, Native-American studies, Indigenous studies, American constitutional politics, or modern political theory. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach elective courses cross-listed between the Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and Social Relations and Policy majors. The College is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their teaching, research and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should send a cover letter and a “teacher-scholar statement” that explains how their teaching and research interests would contribute to James Madison College’s curriculum. Supporting materials should include a CV, diversity statement, evidence of teaching approach and effectiveness (e.g. sample syllabi, student evaluations), and a sample of scholarship (e.g. article, dissertation chapter, conference paper).

The names and contact information of three confidential references that speak to teaching and scholarly promise must be provided as part of the application process. MSU will contact these references with instructions for the references on how to upload their confidential letter into MSU’s application system.

Special Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources web site: https://careers.msu.edu. Review of applications wi