Assistant Professor of Judicial Politics
- Employer
- West Virginia University
- Location
- West Virginia
- Salary
- Negotiable
View more categoriesView less categories
- Faculty Jobs
- Social Sciences, Political Science & International Relations
- Position Type
- Assistant Professor
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The Department of Political Science at West Virginia University seeks to hire a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in judicial politics, law and courts, and/or public law. The preferred start date is August 13, 2027. We welcome applications that can contribute broadly to the judicial politics curriculum.
The Department of Political Science offers a full range of academic programs (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) and has 14 full-time faculty, 36 graduate students, and about 400 undergraduates, many of whom are in the Pre-Law Area of Emphasis. The department faculty are active in research on American and state politics, class politics, comparative elections, computational methods, conflict analysis, congressional politics, international relations, political and economic inequality, public opinion, public policy, racial and ethnic politics, religion and politics, representation, and state courts. The department’s methodologically rigorous doctoral program offers fields in American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and public policy. Additionally, the department houses the International Studies program, which is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major focusing on national security, diplomacy, and development.
Responsibilities:
The person hired in this position will maintain an active research agenda that advances the department’s program in the area of judicial politics. They will be expected to regularly publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. The teaching load is two courses per semester. The successful candidate will be expected to teach classes that complement the department’s current offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, develop new course offerings, and mentor students. They must have the ability to teach effectively the department’s undergraduate judicial politics introductory course and advanced undergraduate courses on constitutional law and civil liberties. They may also be asked to develop advanced undergraduate judicial politics classes in their area(s) of expertise. The candidate will also be expected to serve the department, university, and profession.
Professional Qualifications:
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Political Science, Government, or Public Policy. We will consider ABD candidates, but the Ph.D. must be conferred by the start date. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of the following: potential to develop an active research agenda that will secure external funding; appropriate methodological skills; evidence of and commitment to establishing an excellent record of teaching and mentorship; and excellent communication skills.
To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload the following:
1. Cover letter.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Research statement: Describes past scholarly contributions, current work, and future research directions.
4. Teaching statement: Describes teaching, learning, and mentoring philosophy, as well as teaching evaluations and courses that the candidate would want to teach or develop.
5. Samples of written work.
6. Complete contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation from professional references will only be requested from finalists.
For more information, please visit our website https://politicalscience.wvu.edu. Questions regarding this position may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Matthew Jacobsmeier (matthew.jacobsmeier@mail.wvu.edu). Review of applications will begin on November 6, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Affirmative Action
Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi). West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers. Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Organization
West Virginia University, founded in 1867, has a long and rich history as a public, land-grant institution. WVU encourages scholarship and offers high-quality academic programs while serving the people of West Virginia and the nation. WVU statewide includes campuses in Beckley, Charleston, Keyser, Martinsburg, Montgomery as well as Morgantown – which has been ranked as a #1 Small City in America. WVU is an R1 Doctoral Research University (Highest Research Activity), one of only 115 nationwide. WVU offers 212 degrees throughout the 14 colleges and schools. Areas of specialty include STEM education, healthcare in Appalachia, shale gas utilization, radio astronomy and forensics. WVU researchers have helped confirm the existence of gravitational waves and uncovered diesel vehicle emissions discrepancies. On all campuses, there are over 31,000 graduate and undergraduate students along with 190,000 alumni worldwide. WVU is reinventing West Virginia’s future by strengthening education, healthcare and broad-based prosperity.
Pioneering. Like the resourceful people who first settled West Virginia's hills, we find creative solutions and blaze trails to new discoveries.
Passionate. It's often said that our fans bleed gold and blue, but that die-hard passion isn't confined to sports. Whether it's academics, athletics, or community service, we are known for our unwavering enthusiasm and school spirit.
Innovative. From protecting the soil beneath our feet to the search for millisecond pulsars in deep space, our faculty, students, and alumni pursue innovation everywhere.
Tireless. Mountaineers never back down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. We don't mind being the underdog. In fact, we rather like it.
Caring. Serving the state of West Virginia - and the world - is at the core of our mission. The benefits of WVU Extension, healthcare, and service programs are seen in every county in the state.
As a land-grant institution in the 21st century, West Virginia University will deliver high-quality education, excel in discovery and innovation, model a culture of diversity and inclusion, promote health and vitality, and build pathways for the exchange of knowledge and opportunity between the state, the nation, and the world.
By 2020, West Virginia University will attain national research prominence, thereby enhancing educational achievement, global engagement, diversity, and the vitality and well-being of the people of West Virginia.
1. Engage undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in a challenging academic environment.
2. Excel in research, creative activity, and innovation in all disciplines.
3. Foster diversity and an inclusive culture.
4. Advanced international activity and global engagement.
5. Enhance the well-being and the quality of life of the people of West Virginia.
Location
Morgantown, WV., population 31,073, rated “No. 1 Small City in America” by BizJournals.com for its exceptional quality of life and also rated one of the "Best Cities for Jobs" by MSN Careers. Within easy traveling distance of Washington, D.C., to the east, Pittsburgh, Pa., to the north, and Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, to the northwest. Other recent rankings: “Safe Communities' accreditation” by National Safety Council; #18 “Best College Towns in America” by American Institute for Economic Research; one of “50 Best Small College Towns in America” by College Values Online; #24 “50 Best College Towns to Live in Forever” by CollegeRanker.
Academics
WVU has a growing reputation on the national scene and is one of only 115 institutions to receive the R1 designation from among the nation’s over 4,500 higher education institutions. Recent research highlights include proving Einstein correct by helping with the detection of gravitational waves; discovering elevated levels of diesel emissions from Volkswagen vehicles; and receiving NSF funding to create a Physics Frontiers Center using the nearby Green Bank Telescope.
WVU ranks nationally for prestigious scholarships – 24 Rhodes Scholars, 22 Truman Scholars, 42 Goldwater Scholars, two British Marshall Scholars, 5 Morris K. Udall Scholars, 5 USA Today All-USA College Academic First Team Members (and 11 academic team honorees), 15 Boren Scholars, 36 Gilman Scholars, 46 Fulbright Scholars, 25 Critical Language Scholars, 4 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and one Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholar.
WVU encompasses 14 colleges and schools offering 212 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs in the arts and sciences; business and economics; creative arts; engineering and mineral resources; human resources and education; journalism; law; agriculture, natural resources and design; dentistry; medicine; nursing; pharmacy; physical activity and sport sciences; public health.
West Virginia University understands that meeting the needs of today’s professional couples is a critical factor in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff. Many prospective and newly hired faculty and staff candidates at WVU have spouses/partners who are also pursuing employment in the surrounding community. The Dual Career Program strives to provide a high level of support to couples and their families as they consider faculty and staff appointment opportunities at WVU.
- Attract and retain first-rate dual career couples to West Virginia University and Morgantown, WV
- Enrich WVU’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and talent retention
- Provide customized assistance and support to faculty and staff spouses/partners (and the spouses/partners of key retention positions) in their job search efforts
- Deliver tailored information and resources towards relocating into the Morgantown community
- Engage employers of Monongalia County and the surrounding area to build networking and employment opportunities for our Dual Career clients
Visit WVU Jobs to apply.
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