Political Science
The College of Letters and Science at Montana State University seeks five tenure track faculty members across our participating departments with a demonstrated record of or potential for scholarly activity (research, teaching, service, and creative work) that promotes the wellness of underserved communities broadly defined. This cohort hiring initiative is part of a university commitment to support our diverse student body, faculty, and staff.(See Montana State University’s Diversity & Inclusion Framework and Strategic Plan: Choosing Promise.)We know that representation of a variety of backgrounds and perspectives is critical to a rich and vibrant scholarly community that supports our students’ learning and upholds our land grant mission.We envision a wide variety of scholars who qualify as contributing to this theme and are particularly interested in people from diverse academic backgrounds whose experiences will contribute to the excellence of the MSU community. We imagine candidates who focus on the wellness of underserved communities and whose scholarship may speak but is not limited to rural communities, the environment, community empowerment, community sustainability (environmental, governmental, or otherwise), health disparities (racial, gender, or rural), climate, and teaching pedagogy.
As a participating department in the Cohort Hiring Initiative, the Department of Political Scienceis searching for a scholar who focuses on the health and wellbeing of underserved communities broadly construed. Some possibilities include (but are not limited to) scholars who study Native American governance and policy, public health, health disparities, environmental and climate policy, rural communities, or democratic sustainability.
Department Overview
The Department of Political Science has eight tenure-track faculty, 200 undergraduate majors, and offers an MPA degree with about 20 students. The faculty value collegiality, collaborative problem solving, and a commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Faculty members are dedicated to high-quality, effective instruction and are productive and recognized scholars. Faculty members have a history of conducting research with students. Moreover, faculty members are committed to serving communities both inside and outside the institution. Our Treasure State Poll, which is conducted in every election year, is but one example of our collective commitment to improving political discourse by providing evidence-based research for the public good.
Our award-winning faculty bring rich and varied scholarship into the classroom, engaging students in questions of power, ethics, identity, representation, policy, law, and governance. Our integrated curriculum challenges students to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and research – preparing our graduates for citizenship and leadership, post-graduate study, and a range of employment opportunities. Students have the opportunity to access the resources of a major research university while experiencing a liberal arts education that involves close engagement with professors and peers. The program strongly advocates for understanding of international perspectives and encourages students to immerse themselves in other cultures by studying abroad.
Instructional responsibilities include teaching lower-division, upper-division, and potentially graduate courses in political science and/or public policy,as well as advising undergraduate and/or graduate students.
A commitment to sustained effectiveness in teaching and service, accomplishment in scholarship, and the integration of at least two of the three are essential for tenure and promotion. Successful applicants must be able to balance the demands of teaching and advising students, conducting a research program resulting in high-quality peer-reviewed publications, and participating in department, university, and public-facing service activities.
How to Submit Your Application
Applicants will apply online through the Applicant tracking system on the Montana State University Website at (https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/32831).For any questions or additional information, please contact Kelsey Martin, our Search Committee Coordinator, at [email protected] or (406) 994-4141. She will be in direct contact with David Parker, Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science and Chair of the Department’s Cohort Hiring Committee.