Assistant Professor in Political Science

Assistant Professor in Political Science

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by March 15, 2026. Applications received after March 15, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Computational Social Science, starting in Fall 2026. We are seeking candidates with expertise in developing and applying cutting-edge computational and quantitative methods to the study of politics as well as a demonstrated ability to work across disciplines. Areas of methods focus may include, but are not limited to, AI, machine learning, deep learning, digital experimentation, natural language processing, network analysis, text analysis, big-data analytics, or system dynamics.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to a new interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Computational Social Science in the College of Arts & Sciences, with a 100% tenure home in the Department of Political Science.

We are seeking to attract a diverse pool of job applicants for this position. A key pillar of URI's mission is to 'inspire an enlightened community that is characterized by vibrant cultural diversity; that embraces difference; that is built upon a learning environment that fosters respect, understanding, and social justice; and that rejects prejudice and intolerance.' Our department seeks candidates whose principles align with that mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate is expected to have strong skills in computational social science and a research program in any subfield of political science. Competitive candidates will have a scholarly track record with evidence of high-quality and computationally rigorous research informed by innovative quantitative, data-intensive, and computationally-intensive techniques.

The successful candidate will contribute to the new interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Computational Social Science (CSS) within the College of Arts & Sciences. The candidate is expected to teach courses and advise and mentor students in the CSS Ph.D. program. This position will involve working closely with faculty across multiple social science and computational departments participating in the interdisciplinary CSS Ph.D. program.

The Computational Social Science Ph.D. program's administrative home resides within the Political Science Department. The candidate will split teaching and service duties between the CSS Ph.D. program and the department's other academic programs.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

1. Ph.D. in Political Science, Computational Social Science, or in a closely related discipline.
2. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: computational social science, big-data analytics, machine learning, AI, natural language processing, text analysis, or network analysis.
3. Demonstrated potential to excel in teaching advanced coursework on applications of innovative quantitative, data-intensive, or computationally-intensive techniques in the social sciences.
4. Demonstrated potential in advising and mentoring of students.
5. Evidence of political science research using advanced computational methods, with scholarly work commensurate with level of academic experience.
6. Demonstrated potential to develop and maintain an externally grant-funded research program relevant to Computational Social Science.
7. Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills.
8. Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations or in diverse environments.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:

1. Ability to teach undergraduate research methods courses and substantive political science courses.
2. Demonstrated experience or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with statistics, computer science, or related fields.
3. Demonstrated interest in developing collaborative research and/or consulting to support the interdisciplinary nature of programs within the Department, College, and the University as a whole.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:

1. A letter of application that describes your interest in this position that addresses the required qualifications (as one complete document).
2. A Curriculum Vitae that includes the names/contact information for three professional references, a list of all completed graduate-level courses taken, and course syllabi and teaching evaluations for select courses you have taught (note: please scan and attach all of this information as a single CV document).
3. A brief research and teaching statement (as one complete document).
4. Other Document - URI is committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and supportive working and learning community where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We value unique and diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that each individual brings to our campus. Please provide a statement, with examples, describing how your professional experiences, teaching, research, service, or other activities have helped create an inclusive environment in your discipline (as one complete document).
5. Other Document - submit an article-length sample of relevant scholarly work (as one complete document).