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Assistant Professor in American Government & Politics - 251060
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Position Number: 5818326
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Political Science

Assistant Professor in American Government & Politics - 251060

Western Carolina University

Department: Political Science & Public Affairs

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Department of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University is excited to seek applications for a tenure-track position in American government and politics at the rank of Assistant Professor. The anticipated begin work date is August 2025.

The successful candidate will contribute in teaching, scholarship, and service to an accomplished and growing department. This is a nine-month position with the possibility of summer teaching. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Political Science or related field from an accredited institution. Advanced ABD candidates will also be considered.

The successful candidate will teach six courses per year on our Cullowhee, N.C. campus, including sections of our Introduction to American Government course.

Candidates should show a promising research agenda within American government or politics, but the area of specialization is open. Preferred candidates will also have prior teaching experience at the university level and the ability and desire to teach undergraduate research methods.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Political Science or related field from an accredited institution. Advanced ABD candidates will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred candidates will also have prior teaching experience at the university level and the ability and desire to teach undergraduate research methods.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. The position is open until filled and the search committee will begin reviewing applications on or about January 15, 2025. Please include the following: cover letter curriculum vitae unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned* a list of three professional references with full contact information a statement of teaching philosophy For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Chris Cooper at ccooper@wcu.edu *All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state "Degree Awarded," "Degree Conferred," or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your masters degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The masters degree transcript must have a notation such as "Degree Awarded," "Degree Conferred," or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University 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 or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/29412