As the University’s largest and most varied academic unit, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is comprised of artists, learners, performers, scholars, scientists, and teachers across 21+ departments, programs, schools, and centers and acts as a central hub where many of the University's disciplines intersect. Nearly all 6,000 undergraduates at the University take liberal arts courses with us, and about one-third of these students declare a first major in a CAHSS program. Most of our departments, programs and schools offer master's or doctoral programs. CAHSS scholars, artists, instructors, staff, and students collaborate in a shared quest for knowledge about the human condition and the development of skills to improve our local and global communities. The diverse scope of CAHSS allows our students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at nearly any career in today’s global society.
The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and serves approximately 200 majors, along with many non-majors through the University’s Common Curriculum. Our faculty are committed to excellent teaching, close student mentorship, and fostering inclusive classrooms. We value scholarly engagement that enhances the undergraduate experience and that bridges political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and global studies.
Position Summary
The Department of Political Science at the University of Denver invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor position to begin September 1, 2026. This is a three-year renewable appointment in the Teaching Professor series, with the possibility of promotion to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor over time. We seek a teacher-scholar with a strong interdisciplinary and international perspective who will contribute to the department’s inclusive and intellectually vibrant undergraduate curriculum.
The successful candidate will teach eight in-person undergraduate courses per academic year, spread across fall, winter, and spring quarters. The teaching load will include both introductory and upper-division courses, with the opportunity to contribute to cross-listed or interdisciplinary offerings. Ideal candidates will demonstrate experience teaching courses such as:
- Modern and Contemporary Political Theory
- Theories of International Relations
- Comparative Nationalisms or European Politics
- Politics of Crisis, Democracy, or State Power
We particularly welcome applicants with experience teaching in interdisciplinary or global liberal arts contexts, who can mentor students in research-intensive courses, overseas studies, and senior capstones.
Essential Functions
- Teach eight undergraduate courses per year in line with departmental needs and faculty expertise.
- Design inclusive syllabi and assignments using Universal Design principles and high-impact teaching strategies.
- Hold regular office hours and provide effective academic mentorship to students.
- Participate in department and college service appropriate to a full-time teaching-line appointment.
- Maintain professional development in pedagogy and the field of political science.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or ABD in Political Science or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated record of effective undergraduate teaching in political science, and particularly in political theory and international or comparative politics.
- Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with varied learning needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in hand by the time of appointment.
- Experience teaching in liberal arts colleges, interdisciplinary programs, or study abroad settings.
- Familiarity with Canvas or similar course management systems for classroom instruction.
- Evidence of excellence in both large and small classroom settings, from introductory surveys to advanced seminars.
- A record of academic publications or public scholarship that enhances undergraduate learning.
Work Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
Physical Activities
- Ability to use a computer for an extended period
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus
Work Schedule
This is a 9-month academic-year appointment. While the University's administrative offices operate Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., faculty schedules vary based on teaching and service responsibilities. All courses will be taught in person on DU’s campus in Denver, Colorado.
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) August 8, 2025.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $60,000-$75,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information-but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- Cover Letter (1–2 pages) describing teaching experience, areas of expertise, and commitment to inclusive and effective pedagogy.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Portfolio, including:
- Sample syllabi (at least 2)
- Teaching evaluations or other evidence of effectiveness
- Sample assignments and grading rubrics
- A list of courses taught and courses the candidate is prepared to teach
- Names and contact information for three references (letters will be requested from finalists).
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.