Assistant Professor--Legal and Political Institutions---full-time, tenure-track position

The Department of Justice, Law & Criminology in the School of Public Affairs at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning in Academic Year 2025-26. The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor. The ideal candidate would be someone who focuses on the development of legal and political institutions and is attuned to the contemporary challenges to the rule of law. Applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the department are especially welcome.

Applicants should hold a PhD in legal studies, history, political science, economics, sociology, or a closely related field. Candidates who possess a law degree only (J.D. or LL.M.) will not be considered for this position. Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research. Most of all, the department seeks scholars who will further its goals of producing high impact research and providing innovative undergraduate and graduate teaching. Competitive candidates will possess a strong background in social science methodologies and a productive research portfolio, including publications in high-quality peer reviewed outlets. The Department is home to a range of disciplines, approaches, and methods. We are particularly interested in individuals whose research is interdisciplinary. In addition to scholarship and teaching, all faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in School and University activities and service.

Teaching responsibilities will include core and elective courses. Possible courses related to our legal studies offerings can be found listed with the prefix JLC in the university’s course catalog: here. In addition to producing high quality scholarship and effective teaching, responsibilities will include mentoring graduate students and service to the department, school, and university. The search committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis starting September 3, 2024, and will continue until the positions are filled, subject to on-going budgetary approvals. Interviews will begin in mid-November. The position begins August 1, 2025.  Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion date by August 2025.

Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected salary range of $90,000 to $110,000.  Please submit applications via Workday. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interest and intent, a statement of teaching philosophy and recent evaluations of teaching, and three letters of recommendation.