Assistant Professor-Tenure System

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.  The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University is seeking to hire a 9-month academic year, tenure system professor at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of public law, broadly construed.

Candidates from all subfields and methodological approaches whose research and teaching contribute to the scientific study of law are strongly encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research and teaching interests would complement existing thematic areas and subfields within the department: Minority Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, Public Policy, and/or American Politics. Substantive areas of interest include, but are not limited to, civil rights, civil liberties, comparative judicial institutions, comparative law, human rights, international law, judicial behavior, judicial elections, or the philosophy of law.

Candidates with a history of receiving external research funding, or those with mature plans to apply for funding, will be highly favored. The candidate would be expected to teach courses and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• Completed PhD by the date of hire.
• Research and teaching interests that contribute to the scientific study of law.
• Potential for high impact peer-reviewed publications.
• Potential for obtaining external funding.
• Potential for high-quality instruction and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Potential for working with students from diverse backgrounds and working to improving access to higher education for all students.

Desired Qualifications

• Research and teaching interests that connect with existing thematic areas and/or subfields within the Department of Political Science (see position summary).

Required Application Materials

Electronic submission is required, and materials should be uploaded at http://careers.msu.edu (posting number 950778). Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, two samples of written work, a diversity and inclusion statement, and three reference contacts. 

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on September 23, 2024

The search committee members are Ryan Black (search chair, rcblack@msu.edu), Ana Bracic (bracic@msu.edu), and Cory Smidt (smidtc@msu.edu). Please contact any committee member with questions about this position.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/23/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://polisci.msu.edu/

Department Statement

MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, with easy access to the state capital, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Superior (albeit more time consuming), excellent school districts, affordable housing, Whole Foods, Horrocks, Trader Joe's (forthcoming 2024), and two large metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Detroit). The University is pro-active in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career couples, both inside and outside the University. Information about MSU's dual career support can be found at https://worklife.msu.edu/your-career/dual-career/.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.