University of Detroit Mercy
Job Type Full-time Description
Job ID
FU9724-0021-1909
Position Classification
FT Faculty UDMPU (9
months)
Position Summary
The Department of Political Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites
applications for
a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Political Science, with specialization in Legal Studies or
Judicial Politics,
to begin August 2026.
The Department of
Political Science and its Pre-Law
program are vibrant with engaged faculty committed to offering innovative courses and programming for our growing student population that is
fervent and eager to learn. The Department of Political Science is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational
excellence, to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context, and a commitment to community engagement. The Department of
Political Science is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the University community and curriculum.
The department seeks candidates to
teach courses in Legal Studies and Judicial Studies broadly construed. Teaching assignments may include the following areas: Supreme Court,
American Political Institutions, Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Torts, Law and Culture, Arbitration and Mediation/Alternative
Dispute Settlement, and Law and Society. Candidates should be prepared to teach various Political Science courses in addition to topics in
their area of specialization. The teaching load is 18 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year for faculty with an active research agenda.
The successful candidate will assume directorship of the Pre-Law Program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in
professional development activities related to teaching and student advising. The candidate will be expected to engage in research and
scholarship related to political science, legal or judicial studies, and to provide service to the department and its pre-law program, and
to the College and University.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Teaching core courses in our Legal
Studies program and in the Political Science curriculum with a focus on political institutions and the judiciary, as well as other courses
in the department related to the qualifications of the position holder, advising, curriculum and program development. - Normal
teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester on a nine-month appointment with supplemental summer teaching appointments often
available. - All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
1. A Ph.D.
in
Political Science. Advanced ABDs will be considered but must have their Ph.D. in Political Science completed within one year of hire.
2. Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching (teaching evaluations) and a commitment to experiential learning.
3.
Evidence of active engagement with research and scholarship demonstrated by presentations at conferences, publications, moot court
participation, or membership in professional organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with a Ph.D.
in Political Science who also have a JD are preferred and encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in directing a pre-law program, or
other demonstrated service or leadership are preferred. A track record of research achievement including a current research plan in
Political Science, Legal Studies or Judicial Studies is preferred. We are especially interested in applicants dedicated to excellence in
both teaching and research in a liberal arts setting. Strong candidates will have a record of experience or demonstrated commitment to
teaching diverse students.
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10
pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).
Work
Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Salary/Pay
Information
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Schedule
TBD
Employee
Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package
to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
o Three health plans to
choose from
with a large national provider network
o UDM’s School of Dentistry, discounted to
you and your
dependents
o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
o UDM’s School of
Optometry, discounted to you and your dependents
o Option to purchase additional vision plan through
Heritage
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Program –
o Provided
to everyone in your household
Disability
o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand
dollars
accident insurance, and/or critical illness
insurance
children.
Plan –
o UDM provides matches up to 8%
Special Instructions to
Applicants
Candidates must
apply by completing an application and uploading materials. Materials must include:
- A letter of application that states the
applicant’s interest in the position, credentials relative to the required items listed in
the “Qualifications” section and illustration of
how their scholarship is related to Political Science, Legal Studies and/or Judicial
Studies. - A curriculum vitae
- Sample
syllabi or detailed course proposals - A teaching statement
- A service
statement - A research statement
- A
scholarly writing sample - Academic transcripts
Three (3) letters of
recommendation should be available upon request. Review
of applications will begin Friday, March 6, 2026, and will continue until an
appointment is made.
Michigan’s largest, most
comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic
institution of higher education sponsored by the
Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will
contribute to the University’s mission, diversity,
and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal
Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse
student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
Learn more about our
university mission here.
Questions
regarding this position should be directed to Felicia A. Grey, Ph.D., Chair of the Search Committee: greyfa@udmercy.edu.
To apply,
visit
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3894952
jeid-7629a4202ee04a4faf77
d32ff27948de
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