ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, AMERICAN POLITICS TENURE TRACK

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Since 1890, Whitworth University, a private, residential, comprehensive, master’s-level, liberal-arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, has held fast to its founding mission to provide its students an education of mind and heart characterized by rigorous and open intellectual inquiry and the integration of Christian faith and learning. Anchored in the Reformed tradition and enriched throughout its history by strong evangelical and ecumenical currents, Whitworth's mission is carried out by a diverse community of dedicated Christian scholars and staff members who are called to a variety of vocations to serve and support students. Whitworth believes the best learning occurs in the context of relationship – inside and outside of the classroom – where professors and staff members alike invest in the lives of students. Whitworth is committed to modeling the highest standards of integrity and fairness and being a trusted and valued member of the community.

The Political Science Department is announcing a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor. We offer majors in Political Science, Peace Studies and International Studies, and we have a long history of emphasizing justice and reconciliation. As faculty, we encourage students to study abroad and to participate in internships as they consider the connection between their own worldviews and government, power, injustice and peace.

STARTING DATE: JULY 1, 2022

PRIMARY TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES:

We seek a broadly trained colleague to teach a variety of courses in American government. This position includes two sections of American National Politics per year, with five additional courses to be developed in the faculty member's field. The full-time teaching load consists of three courses in the fall, three courses in the spring and a course in January-term. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach in two or more of the following areas: Race or Gender in American Politics, Congress, Political Parties, Research Design and Methods, Faith and Politics. Interest in pre-law advising is welcomed.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Possibility of developing new courses that contribute to the university’s innovative, interdisciplinary Shared Curriculum. Additional responsibilities include participation in departmental activities and governance, professional and research activities, attending state, regional and national professional association meetings; attending faculty assemblies, development days, and retreat, serving on committees, and advising.

REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Evidence of promise in effectiveness at college-level teaching (demonstrated effectiveness preferred)
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning
• Strong potential for an on-going stream of research in the candidate’s area of specialization
• Demonstrated growth in cultural competence, awareness of societal and structural inequities and proven experience in effectively establishing relationships and positive communications with students and other constituents across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, varying abilities, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, class or religious perspectives

• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

TO APPLY: Please submit to www.whitworth.edu/facultycareers

• a letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position and interest in teaching at a Christian liberal arts university with an increasingly diverse student body,
• curriculum vitae,
• your teaching philosophy,
• a short personal essay describing your personal Christian faith. This essay is intended to be a statement in your own words that will help the committee to understand your interest in joining Whitworth’s community of Christian scholars. (Click here for guidance on writing the faith essay),
• three most recent student feedback surveys,
• names, addresses, email address and phone numbers of at least three academic references (one or more additional non-academic references who are able to speak to your qualifications for the position may also be included).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: A background check, sexual misconduct check, and confirmation of degrees earned will be required of the successful candidate. All Whitworth University employees are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. 

DEADLINE: Application materials will be received until the position is filled. Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately. 

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.