2026 Political Science Lecturer

Wenzhou-Kean University: College of Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Sciences

Wenzhou-Kean University

Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), located in Wenzhou, China, one of three Sino-American universities along with NYU Shanghai and Duke Kunshan University, is approved by the Ministry of Education of China. Launched in 2012, WKU offers a unique model of higher education in partnership with Kean University, a comprehensive, public university in the state of New Jersey that is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls about 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students, and it is now in the midst of a rapid growth that will bring enrollment to 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction is in English, and all curriculum is provided by Kean University.

In addition to its current 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has been approved by the Ministry of Education for offering 8 Master’s and 3 doctorate programs. WKU highly values research-powered teaching and learning, and the average number of faculty publications and the Field-weighted Citation Impact are among the best of leading Chinese academic institutions.

Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically advanced developed cities on China’s East Coast, located one hour by plane and three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai.

About the Job:

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Wenzhou-Kean University invites applications for a faculty position in Political Science at the rank of Lecturer. The Political Science program at WKU offers a comprehensive approach to understanding both global and domestic political dynamics, with a focus on public diplomacy and Chinese Foreign Policy. Our current faculty consists of two Assistant Professors and a full-time Lecturer, each with expertise in a variety of areas. We offer a minor in Political Science with over 40 students and provide elective courses for students from other disciplines.

We are seeking candidates at the Lecturer rank with academic expertise, demonstrated through their professional experience or research interests, and extensive teaching experience. Given our current faculty’s focus on East Asian politics and strategies, European politics, and international political economy, we aim to complement this expertise by adding a faculty member specializing in public diplomacy and Chinese Foreign Policy.

Successful candidates should be prepared to diversify their course offerings. In particular, they are expected to teach introductory undergraduate courses, including Introduction to Politics, Introduction to Comparative Politics, as well as upper-level electives including U.S.-China Relations and Chinese Foreign Policy. Native or near-native proficiency in English and professional working proficiency in Chinese are required.

In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to contribute to the growth of the Political Science program, including, but not limited to curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment and advising, office hours, senior project supervision, and internship opportunities.

All faculty positions are full-time assignments, effective for the start of the Fall 2026 semester. These positions are appointed on a 3-year contract at the first instance. A 3-year reappointment is subject to evaluation. As such, service in this position does not count toward tenure.

A Lecturer is a full-time, 10 or 11-month employee who teaches 30 or 39 credits per year, respectively, and provides student and learning support services during the assigned period. Lecturers will be expected to provide high quality teaching, student advising, learning support services, and service to the university and professional community; and perform related work as required.

Teaching assignments and related responsibilities may include day, evening, weekend courses. Interest or experience in using advanced instructional technologies to improve the teaching/learning process is highly desirable. All faculty may be required to teach General Education courses as needed. Opportunities are also available to teach disciplinary support courses. Candidates with an interest in teaching across disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Faculty Position at WKU offers:

• Annual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience with the range from $63,000-$70,000 for Lecturers.Salary of extraordinary candidates shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• The University will provide start-up grants to support tenure-track faculty to start their research programs
• A well-rounded healthcare coverage, housing options, and subsidy up to $3,000, home traveling up to $6,000 (2 international round-trip airfares), a reimbursement to cover relocation expenses up to $1,000, and a shuttle bus to campus for work.
• The university provides financial assistance for academic travel.
• WKU tuition waiver up to 50% for spouse/dependent children of faculty for undergraduate programs
• A collegial environment.
• The opportunity to teach high-quality students. About 60% of graduates who pursued graduate study have been admitted to graduate schools at the World’s Top 50 Universities, and more than 80% of graduates who pursued graduate study at the World’s Top 100 Universities.

Background  Screening:

Wenzhou-Kean University conducts background screenings on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings.

Qualifications

A PhD in Political Science or a related field is required. ABD will be considered with completion prior to the effective date of employment. A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a college or university setting is Preferred. Native English speakers or equivalent English proficiency is required.

Application Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to apply online. To receive full consideration by the search committee, candidates need to submit the following documents via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/183642).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial transcripts.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that your immediate supervisor may be contacted for a reference check. Official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation are required before appointment.