Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor Position

The Department of Political Science at Jackson State University invites applications for a 9-month position at the rank of Assistant Professor on the tenure track starting in August 2026. The successful candidate will have earned a PhD in Political Science before the start date.

The position is open to research specialization. The successful candidate must have an active research agenda and evidence of scholarly productivity. Candidates with experience in grant writing and success in obtaining extramural funding are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be able to contribute to curriculum development and also be able to teach quantitative research methods, statistics, and our senior capstone course.

The Department of Political Science offers the B.A. in Political Science with a robust Legal Studies and Paralegal Studies concentration. It also offers an accelerated M.A. in Political Science that is 100% online, and students can earn their M.A. in two full semesters. Its faculty undertakes psycho-physiological research, carries out experiments, and conducts public opinion surveys. Faculty members also conduct cutting-edge research on state and local politics, American political behavior, and Africa.

Political Science undergraduate and graduate students assist faculty with their research, engage extensively in community affairs, participate in prestigious internships, and participate in campus life. Many of them seek advanced degrees at law schools and graduate programs, work in government, and lead successful lives in public affairs.

Examples Of Duties

• The faculty member will perform meaningful service. Examples of desired contributions include assisting with fundraising and curriculum development, academic advising, faculty advisor for student groups, and serving on department, college, and university committees.
• The faculty members must be able to teach a variety of undergraduate courses in the fields of American Politics and Comparative Politics.
• The faculty member must be able to teach Introduction to Political Science, American Government, Comparative Politics, American Political Parties, the American Presidency, and Urban Politics.
• The faculty member will attend department meetings and events and help implement the department's strategic plan

Typical Qualifications

• Applicants must have earned an advanced degree in Political Science before the start date.
• Applicants should have teaching experience.
• Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicants should have experience in mentoring, advising, and working with students from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.