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The Department of Government in the School of Public Affairs at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning in Academic Year 2027-2028. The position will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The Department is seeking a scholar to serve as the Research Director of the Women & Politics Institute.

Applicants should hold a PhD in political science or government. Candidates must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research and teaching. The Department is looking for scholars whose research and teaching interests focus on women and politics and who will further its goals of producing high impact research and providing innovative undergraduate and graduate teaching. In addition to scholarship and teaching, all faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in School and University activities and service. Additionally, the department is seeking a scholar to serve as the Research Director of the Women & Politics Institute. Founded in 2000, the Women & Politics Institute is one of the nation’s leading centers for political leadership training and scholarly research with a focus on how to engage effectively in the political process. The Institute offers graduate and undergraduate certificates in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership, provides a training program for those interested in running for office or leading a political campaign, and facilitates research to understand the challenges faced in politics in the U.S.

Review of applications will begin on October 7, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled, subject to on-going budgetary approvals. The position begins on August 1, 2027. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion date by August 2027. 

Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected salary range of $90,000 to $130,000.  Please submit applications via Workday. Include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, three confidential letters of recommendation, research and teaching narratives, and a writing sample. Please contact Joanne Wiesman, Administrative Coordinator, 202-885-6459 or jwiesman@american.edu if you have any questions.

Established in 1934, the School of Public Affairs offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the departments of Government; Justice, Law, Criminology, and Security; Public Administration & Policy; and the Washington Semester Program. The School’s programs are consistently ranked among the best in the field of public affairs by U.S. News &World Report. Learn more about the School of Public Affairs at www.american.edu/spa.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.