Assistant Professor of Political Science University of Alaska Anchorage

The Department of Political Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in political science, beginning in August 2012.

The successful candidate should be a talented and devoted teacher of undergraduates who has broad training in politics, from an institutional, constitutional, philosophical, or historical perspective, with specialties in one or more of the following: American institutions, constitutional law, citizenship, international relations, war and diplomacy, foreign policy, and national security. The candidate's application should demonstrate a record of excellence in scholarship and research in political science. In addition to introductory courses in American government and political science, the candidate will be expected to develop and teach courses on political institutions, international relations, war and diplomacy, and national security. This appointment will contribute to the University of Alaska tripartite mission of performing teaching, research, and public service.

The significance of our national government has been underscored for American citizens in the twenty-first century, and new interest in it has been awakened, by the events of 9/11 and a succession of hotly-contested elections. At the same time, the long-standing interest in national politics among Alaskans, which arises from the pervasive importance of the federal government in Alaska, has been heightened by changes in our Congressional delegation and our former governor's candidacy for vice-president.

The Department is seeking a generalist with broad interests in political science and the ability to teach a wide range of lower- and upper-division courses, and whose research focus and interests complement those of other members of the Department and are significant and accessible to undergraduate students. Candidates should demonstrate broad theoretical training in the discipline and the ability to stimulate and encourage student interest in political science. The Department encourages applications from candidates who also demonstrate an expertise in political philosophy and the American political tradition.

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is the largest of three universities in the University of Alaska system, serving nearly 20,000 students. Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, with an ethnically diverse population of 290,000, offers a lively intellectual and cultural life, including opera, symphony, theatre, art events, and varied restaurants. Set between the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains and the ocean waters of Cook Inlet, the city offers ready access to state and national forests and parks, year-round outdoor recreation, and unsurpassed natural beauty.

The Department of Political Science has more than one hundred undergraduate majors in a bachelor's degree program, offers general education courses for liberal arts undergraduates, and contributes to teaching in international studies, university honors, study abroad, and other programs. The department has a small, congenial faculty and enthusiastic students. Among other activities, it organizes the annual Model United Nations of Alaska and the James Madison Cup competition on the American Constitution.  

Teaching and research capacities appropriate for tenure track assistant professor university faculty.

Advanced graduate-level training in the field specified above or in a closely allied field.

Excellent writing and public speaking skills.

Ability to advise students and skills for working with faculty, administrators, public officials, and the public.

Foreign language ability appropriate to research and teaching interests.

Ability to represent the department and the university.

Ability to acquire funding from external sources.  

Ph.D. in Political Science, Government, or a closely related field preferred. Candidates with ABD at time of application may be considered with the requirement that the Ph.D. must be awarded before August 2012. Candidates with terminal degrees other than the PhD may also be considered if they present evidence of relevant experience in teaching and research at the university level.

Successful applicants must provide official transcripts documenting academic credentials required for the position as a condition of employment. Qualifying earned degrees must be conferred either by institutions of higher education which are accredited by one of the six US regional accrediting associations or by an equivalent international institution of higher education as determined by UAA based on a review by a foreign educational credential evaluation service and recognized by UAA.  

Length of time and type of experience required for this position should be appropriate to the rank of tenure track assistant professor. General background should be in a related field.  

Experience in observing and studying politics will be an advantage, as will experience working with students, faculty, administrators, public officials, and the public.  

Please attach the following:
1) Cover letter
2) Curriculum vitæ (must include the names, positions, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references)

Please attach or mail the following required documents to:

Prof. James W. Muller, Chair
Department of Political Science
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508

1) Official transcripts (Official transcripts must be mailed; an unofficial copy may be attached as Supplemental Document 1)
2) Evidence of teaching ability, including evaluations of teaching if available (Supplemental Document 2)
3) Letters of reference (Supplemental Document 3)
4) Exemplary publication or paper (Supplemental Document 4)