Chapman University
2026
Department: Political Science
Position Type: Full-Time
Faculty
Qualifications:
Required
- A Ph.D. in Political Science or related field from
an accredited institution of higher education prior to start date. - In-depth knowledge and expertise in the subject area or
discipline related to the courses they will be teaching.
Preferred
- Experience teaching courses in American
politics, political theory, and research methods - Evidence of excellence in teaching and a student-centered approach to teaching,
including the ability to provide support and guidance to students - Experience collaborating with colleagues, department chairs, and
academic administrators on curriculum development and institutional initiatives - Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and
communication skills
Application Instructions:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following
electronically:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Statement (2 pages max)
- Three letters of
reference
Inquiries can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. David Shafie (shafie@chapman.edu), and should use ‘Non-Tenure Track Instructional Assistant Professor of Political
Science’ as the email subject line.
Application reviews will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary
is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $78,000 to $87,000. This position is
contingent on final budget approval. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final
candidate.
Description:
The Department of Political Science in Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and
Social Sciences at Chapman University invites applications for a Non-Tenure Track Instructional Assistant Professor of Political Science
with a primary focus on American politics and a secondary focus on either political theory or research methods. Employment will begin in
August 2026.
Chapman University is a nationally-ranked, R2 Carnegie Classified, private institution offering traditional
undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. Chapman’s
campuses are home to nearly 10,000 students representing 50 states, three territories, and 87 countries. The 11 schools and colleges of
Chapman, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, offer 65 bachelor’s, 53 master’s, and six doctoral programs, along with
nearly 60 minors and 17 accelerated and bridge programs. Classes are taught by the more than 1,100 dedicated faculty members who are leaders
in their fields, including Nobel Prize recipients, MacArthur Fellows, National Medal of Science honorees, former U.S. Supreme Court clerks,
and Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Award winners.
The Department of Political Science in the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and
Social Sciences is committed to educating students to become effective democratic citizens, both locally and globally. We provide a
distinctive, challenging, and personalized learning environment anchored in critical thinking and student research. Through a variety of
courses, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities, students gain a theoretical and practical knowledge of politics.
Students who graduate with a degree in Political Science will be well-equipped for graduate studies or careers in law, government, public
policy, government relations, or the nonprofit sector.
Our faculty’s interdisciplinary expertise includes environmental policy, human
rights law, public administration, constitutional law, religion and politics, economic development, public opinion and voting behavior,
indigenous movements, the politics of natural disasters, disability policy, and the U.S. Presidency.
The mission of Wilkinson College
of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is to foster rigorous inquiry among students through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts that
is scholarly, creative, interdisciplinary, and experiential. The College plays an important and unique role in the educational journey of
every Chapman student and aims to ensure that graduates are prepared to assume their responsibility as global citizens, acting knowledgeably
and providing compassionate leadership in our community and world. More information about Wilkinson College is available at www.chapman.edu/wilkinson.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and
deliver high-quality courses in American politics, as well as in research methods and/or political theory. - Offer regular office
hours to provide students with opportunities for one-on-one consultations, academic advising, and clarification of course
materials. - Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service, and community-engagement
initiatives.
EEO Statement:
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal
employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are
encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical
condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or
federal law.

