Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science

Job Description

Job Description

This position is fully in-person (not remote or hybrid).

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science (One-Year Full-Time Appointment with Potential for Renewal)

The Political Science Program at Johnson C. Smith University invites applications for a one-year, full-time Assistant Professor of Political Science beginning in January 2027, with possibility of renewal upon successful review. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching, student mentoring, scholarly research, and service at a historically Black university. The successful candidate will teach a range of undergraduate political science courses, including Introduction to American Government, Political Analysis, Public Policy Analysis, Political Theory, Research Methods, and the Senior Investigative Paper (capstone). The ability to teach additional courses within the political science curriculum is desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Political Science (or Public Policy) by the time of appointment (ABD candidates with a documented plan for degree completion before the start date will be considered).
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Evidence of an active or emerging research agenda with the potential for scholarly publication and professional engagement.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising or mentoring pre-law students or involvement with pre-law programming.
• Familiarity with academic program assessment, student learning outcomes, and curriculum development.
• Experience incorporating high-impact educational practices, such as undergraduate research, civic engagement, experiential learning, or community-based learning, into the classroom.

The successful candidate will teach a full undergraduate course load (4 courses per semester), advise Political Science majors and pre-law students, maintain an active program of research and scholarship, pursue opportunities for scholarly publication and professional presentations, engage undergraduate students in research where appropriate, participate in departmental, university, and professional service, and contribute to ongoing assessment and continuous improvement efforts within the Political Science Program. Faculty responsibilities are outlined in the Johnson C. Smith University Faculty Handbook.

Johnson C. Smith University is committed to an inclusive academic community that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We welcome applicants who have demonstrated success in teaching and mentoring students from a wide range of backgrounds and who can contribute to an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, student success, civic engagement, and community partnerships.

Application Instructions

Apply via electronic submission only by uploading the separate files described below.

Files to be submitted: 1. Letter of application (addressing qualifications for position); 2. Curriculum vitae; 3. Statement of teaching philosophy; 4. Statement of research agenda and scholarly interests; 5. Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official transcripts will be required of all finalists); and 6. Official JCSU Application form. Three signed letters of recommendation on letterhead from individuals familiar with the candidate’s teaching and research abilities are required and should sent as PDF by the recommender directly to View email address on ziprecruiter.com with subject line “Political Science Faculty Position.”.

For questions regarding the position, please contact:

Dr. Terza Lima-Neves
Chair, Department of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
Johnson C. Smith University
View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University is a private, historically Black liberal arts university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1867, JCSU is committed to preparing diverse and talented students to become socially conscious leaders through rigorous academic programs, engaged learning, and community service. The University enrolls approximately 1,300 students and values excellence in teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service.

Supplemental Information: Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity check.