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Visiting Assistant Professor in Political Science and Public Policy

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Position description

The UCR School of Public Policy invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in political science and public policy. This is a one year appointment with the likelihood of a second year reappointment contingent upon performance. If a decision for reappointment is made, it will be based on an assessment of the candidate’s demonstrated competence in teaching, advising, and research.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong teaching record and promise of research excellence in topics broadly associated with politics of the policy process, including legislative institutions, state and local governance, public opinion, and political behavior. We are particularly interested in scholars whose research and teaching addresses racial equity, either in general or with respect to particular policy issues such as criminal justice, education, environment, health, immigration, and poverty. For those doing national or international work, we are especially interested in those seeking to apply methods and lessons to issues as they play out in California.

Applicants should have an established record or promise of outstanding research accomplishment and teaching; they will be expected to teach four 10-week courses per academic year including some combination of a core undergraduate class in “Politics and Public Policy” and core graduate classes in “Policy Institutions and Processes” and “State and Local Politics and Policies.” Additional teaching possibilities include courses in ethics and public policy, politics and policy in California, racial inequality in politics and policy, and case studies in public policy.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in political science, public policy or a related discipline by the time of appointment. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and experience. The appointment will commence on July 1, 2021.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest that describes their research and training, contributions to diversity and inclusion, and include a curriculum vitae, writing samples, teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness and 3 letters of recommendation. All materials must be uploaded using UCR’s on-line application system via https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF01392. To ensure full consideration, applications and supporting materials should be received by April 6, 2021. Review of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Letter of interest that describes research and training.

  • Writing Samples

  • Teaching Evaluations - Examples: Student evaluations for courses taught or TA'd previously. Peer review of teaching documents.

  • Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - In a “Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence”, we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career.

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Job location

Riverside, CA