Assistant Professor-FixedTerm
- Michigan State University
- United States, MI
- May 9, 2026
Job Description:
Working/Functional Title
Assistant Professor - Fixed Term
Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University is seeking to hire a 9-month academic year, fixed-term system professor at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of political theory.
In particular, the Department seeks a candidate whose research and teaching focus on philosophy. The candidate will primarily teach courses and mentor students at the undergraduate level, and those who can discuss efforts to promote the study of political theory among undergraduates will be highly favored.
In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will serve as Assistant Director of the LeFrak Forum. In this role, they will help shape the vision of the Forum, organize conferences and lecture series, coordinate academic community events for undergraduates, and plan trips and enrichment opportunities for LeFrak Fellows.
Evaluation for this position will be based on demonstrated success in teaching as well as in potential for the effective administration of the LeFrak Forum.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Political Theory or related field.
Minimum Requirements
Completed PhD by the date of employment. Teaching experience related to political philosophy.
Desired Qualifications
Potential contributions to broad, department-level programming, for students and the external community, exploring how Political Theory contributes to broader understandings of political and economic systems. Potential for obtaining external funding to support LeFrak programming. Potential for high-quality instruction and mentoring at the undergraduate level.
Required Application Materials
Electronic submission is required, and materials should be uploaded at http://careers.msu.edu (posting number 1087447). Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, teaching statement and/or evidence of teaching effectiveness, and contact information for three references.
Special Instructions
The search committee chair is Prof. Raúl Rodríguez ([email protected]), Please contact Prof. Rodríguez with questions about this position.
Review of Applications Begins On
10/29/2025
Website
https://polisci.msu.edu/
Department Statement
MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, with easy access to the state capital, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Superior (albeit more time consuming), excellent school districts, affordable housing, Whole Foods, Horrocks, Trader Joe's, and two large metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Detroit). The University is pro-active in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career couples, both inside and outside the University. Information about MSU's dual career support can be found at https://uhw.msu.edu/health-and-wellbeing-services/health-promotion/health-promotion-for-faculty-and-staff.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
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Job Description:
Working/Functional Title
Assistant Professor - Fixed Term
Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University is seeking to hire a 9-month academic year, fixed-term system professor at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of political theory.
In particular, the Department seeks a candidate whose research and teaching focus on philosophy. The candidate will primarily teach courses and mentor students at the undergraduate level, and those who can discuss efforts to promote the study of political theory among undergraduates will be highly favored.
In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will serve as Assistant Director of the LeFrak Forum. In this role, they will help shape the vision of the Forum, organize conferences and lecture series, coordinate academic community events for undergraduates, and plan trips and enrichment opportunities for LeFrak Fellows.
Evaluation for this position will be based on demonstrated success in teaching as well as in potential for the effective administration of the LeFrak Forum.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Political Theory or related field.
Minimum Requirements
Completed PhD by the date of employment. Teaching experience related to political philosophy.
Desired Qualifications
Potential contributions to broad, department-level programming, for students and the external community, exploring how Political Theory contributes to broader understandings of political and economic systems. Potential for obtaining external funding to support LeFrak programming. Potential for high-quality instruction and mentoring at the undergraduate level.
Required Application Materials
Electronic submission is required, and materials should be uploaded at http://careers.msu.edu (posting number 1087447). Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, teaching statement and/or evidence of teaching effectiveness, and contact information for three references.
Special Instructions
The search committee chair is Prof. Raúl Rodríguez ([email protected]), Please contact Prof. Rodríguez with questions about this position.
Review of Applications Begins On
10/29/2025
Website
https://polisci.msu.edu/
Department Statement
MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, with easy access to the state capital, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Superior (albeit more time consuming), excellent school districts, affordable housing, Whole Foods, Horrocks, Trader Joe's, and two large metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Detroit). The University is pro-active in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career couples, both inside and outside the University. Information about MSU's dual career support can be found at https://uhw.msu.edu/health-and-wellbeing-services/health-promotion/health-promotion-for-faculty-and-staff.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
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