Assistant Professor of Political Science

The Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program (WLP) at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Political Science beginning Fall 2026. WLP is a selective living-learning program for first-year students designed to build leadership skills within the context of their discipline and within a supportive community. Students enroll in one of four WLP cohorts: International Politics; International Arts & Culture; Science, Health, & Medicine; or Globalization, Economics, & Business. Students take foundational courses in their field of study in small classes with their cohort faculty members both fall and spring semesters, and a year-long, experiential leadership symposium course.

The selected candidate will serve as the primary faculty and Program Coordinator for the International Politics cohort of approximately 20 students in the WLP. The Program Coordinator serves as instructor, academic mentor, and advisor, helping students navigate their college experience from the first year and beyond. They will teach small classes of first-year students for WLP and the University Honors Program, and they will work with the WLP Director and colleagues from across disciplines to integrate co-curricular offerings and activities that enhance the academic experiences of WLP students. They will also participate in WLP information sessions for prospective students and join in campus events.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in comparative politics and international relations. We welcome applicants familiar with the history of ideas and experienced in designing and teaching introductory courses in the history of political thought (ancient and/or modern). These themes are well suited for the University Honors Program teaching component, and the selected candidate will have freedom to design courses that complement their interests. Strong candidates will also have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.

The effort breakdown for the position is 70% teaching, 15% administration/service, and 15% scholarship. The teaching component includes five undergraduate courses each year and co-teaching a year-long, one-credit leadership symposium. Two courses and the symposium are taught to first-year students in the Women's Leadership Program. The remaining three courses may be taught to students in WLP, the University Honors Program, Department of Political Science and/or Elliott School of International Affairs. Administrative work is related to the Program Coordinator role and includes planning co-curricular events and symposium structure. Service obligations are primarily met through engagement in extracurricular events with WLP applicants, students, and alumni. Service obligations may also be met by serving on a departmental or university-level committee and attending major campus events. Scholarship for this role is broadly defined and may include activities such as presenting at conferences, creating and disseminating curriculum materials, or publishing political science or pedagogical research.

Applicants must have excellent teaching skills as demonstrated by student evaluations, and a plan for assuring inclusive engagement in the classroom. They must have a strong desire to teach and mentor first year undergraduates and a commitment to advancing women and gender minorities in leadership. They must hold a doctorate in Political Science or a related field by date of appointment; ABD applicants will be considered but must complete all requirements for the doctorate by date of appointment.

Continuing non-tenure track faculty appointments at GW have relative parity with tenure-track positions in salary, benefits, and access to promotion. This position is eligible for full-time health benefits. For more information, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/health-benefits.

The contract period will be three years and is renewable. The teaching load is 2/3 plus the 1-credit leadership symposium.

To apply please complete an online application; Applicants should submit a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the Women's Leadership Program and discusses contributions to women's initiatives in their teaching, mentorship, and/or professional engagement.

Applicants should also submit: 1) a curriculum vitae with detailed information about teaching experience; 2) a statement of teaching objectives and methods; 3) student teaching evaluations; 4) a writing sample; and 5) names of three references. Letters of recommendation are not required for application but will be requested for final candidates. Candidates who are invited for an interview will be expected to give a teaching demonstration on a topic of their choosing and a research presentation. Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.