Assistant or Associate Professor in International Security Studies

The Institute for Regional and International Security (IRIS) at the Naval Postgraduate School seeks applications for two, tenure-track appointments at the assistant or associate professor levels in international security studies, with an emphasis on the fields of space policy, nuclear weapons, strategy, maritime security, or another area related to the politics and/or history of security. Successful candidates must demonstrate broad interest in scholarly research in the field of international security and a commitment to teaching mid-career military officers from all U.S. services and from allied countries. Possible courses include the politics/history of space security, the politics/history of nuclear strategy, or strategic theory, as well as disciplinary core courses in international relations or the history of great power conflict, depending on the candidate.

The position is open to political scientists, historians, or other scholars working on matters of international security with a U.S. or foreign regional focus. Relevant expertise might include the politics/history of leading national space programs, the politics/history of nuclear weapons, military history, maritime security, alliance issues, or challenges of contemporary conflict. Candidates should demonstrate a strong potential for teaching excellence and scholarly research. 

The Naval Postgraduate School is a fully accredited graduate school whose students are drawn from the armed forces and civilian agencies of the United States and allied or partner countries. IRIS is a degree-granting institute at NPS (M.A. and Ph.D. levels) that is multi-disciplinary, with curricula focused on regional security studies and the international dimensions of conflict, with faculty trained in Political Science, History, and Political Economy. Tenure-track professors typically teach a 2-2 load on a quarter system and are expected to maintain an active portfolio of academic research, publishing, and institutional service.

Minimum qualifications for an Assistant Professor include: an earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline; evidence of teaching aptitude; evidence of potential to advise M.A. student theses and Ph.D. dissertations; and evidence of strong potential for scholarship leading to scholarly publications. Minimum qualifications for an Associate Professor include: an earned doctoral degree in a relevant discipline; broad experience (typically six years) as a faculty member at an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent professional experience; excellent teaching ability or aptitude; an emerging national reputation for scholarship; a sustained publications record; an ability to advise student theses and dissertations; and a record of performance of academic service based on comparable experience or aptitude.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens and be willing to submit to a background check, with eligibility for a Secret-level clearance.
Applications should include a CV, cover letter (including teaching and research interests), official graduate transcripts (for assistant professor candidates), and syllabi of any relevant courses taught. Candidates should also submit names of three persons who could provide letters of recommendation (which will be required for all candidates chosen for the short list). ABDs are welcome to apply with the understanding that the award of a Ph.D. degree is a condition of employment. Applications will be reviewed beginning on Monday, November 16, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. Expected start date is in the summer or fall of 2027. 

Address applications and supporting materials electronically to IRIS at: iris@nps.edu.   

Questions and any other inquiries may be directed to: 

Prof. James Clay Moltz
Chair, International Security Studies Search Committee
Institute for Regional and International Security
Naval Postgraduate School 
Monterey, CA 93943 
jcmoltz@nps.edu

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized. 

The Naval Postgraduate School is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information about NPS, please refer to the website at http://www.nps.edu

NOTE: IF YOU ARE A VETERAN, you are strongly encouraged to identify your Veterans’ Preference on your resume or elsewhere in your application package (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, etc.).

Additional Veterans’ Information: if you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the
Department of Labor’s website: http://dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm 

For more veterans’ preference information, visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx