Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

The Department of Political Science at St. Olaf College invites applications for a full-time, one-year position in methodology and an additional subfield (American, international relations, comparative, or political theory) at the level of Visiting Instructor or Assistant Professor, to begin August 2025. This position has the potential for additional years of reappointment.

The teaching load will be six courses during the year, including three sections of political science research methodology and three sections reflecting the candidate’s interests and expertise. The successful candidate will be able to offer instruction in quantitative and qualitative methods and explain how these methods contribute to a broad and rigorous liberal arts education. While additional expertise in international relations is preferred, expertise in American, comparative, or political theory will be considered. 

Salary: $59,000 - $64,000

Qualifications
A PhD in Political Science or a related field preferred, but candidates who are ABD will also be considered.

About the Department
For more information about the department, visit https://wp.stolaf.edu/poli-sci/ 

We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity—gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age—to the Hill each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging webpage to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

How to Apply
A complete application includes the following:

  References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship.  

Supporting Documents and URLS:
 

1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
4. Evidence of Teaching Excellence

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to the Department Chair, Douglas Casson, at casson@stolaf.edu.
 

Who We Are:

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to a 90% reduction) at ACM, GLCA, and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.

A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/